Chief Officer Ship Safety Officer Horizon Geosciences

Chief Officer Ship Safety Officer Duties

• Assisting the Master in all aspects of the implementation of the Safety and Environmental Protection Policy of the Company through its SMS;

• Assisting and understudying the Master in all aspects of the operational control of the vessel as defined by the Company SMS, accepted working practices, International Conventions, Class, Flag and local regulations;
• Where applicable, to estimate acceptable draft, trim, stability and longitudinal stress for every stage of the pending voyage, taking account of any planned discharges;
• To immediately inform the Master, Company and the Charterers (if applicable) if calculations indicate that any proposed upper deck loading of the vessel cannot be completed;
• Ensuring that the ship is properly secured for sea and, after sailing, to specifically ensure that the upper deck is properly secured prior to the open sea being reached. This will include hatches, watertight doors, anchors, mooring lines, and so on. Once at sea and on passage to ensure that daily deck inspections are conducted and that watertight doors, hatch accesses, covers, manholes and items secured on deck are monitored, particularly before the onset of bad weather;
• To ensure that medical supplies and equipment are maintained at required levels and that all medicines are in date . The practical aspects of these responsibilities may be delegated to the Second Officer;
• Being responsible for the exterior cleanliness, appearance and ship s boats;
• Keeping safe navigational watch including DP as applicable;
• Assisting the Master during manoeuvring;
• At sea, to liaise with the Chief Engineer regarding tank condition and soundings. On Company ships that operate a drill rig, the Drilling Supervisor may also have input on this issue;
• Ensuring that Deck Department personnel follow safe working practices in accordance with the Company s SMS as defined by accepted working practices, International Conventions, Class, Flag and local regulations;
• Ensuring that all hazardous work carried out by the Deck Department is executed in accordance with the SMS and any specific permit-to-work requirements. He shall ensure that concerned personnel are properly briefed and provided with suitable personal protection equipment;
• Ensuring that all hazardous work carried out by the Deck Department is executed in accordance with the SMS and any specific permit-to-work requirements. He shall ensure that concerned personnel are properly briefed and provided with suitable personal protection equipment;
• Ensuring that Deck Department personnel actively participate in on board safety meetings, in accordance with the SMS;
• To carry out the duties of Ship Security Officer and to act in accordance with the provisions of the ISPS Code in this respect;
• To conduct the duties of Ship Safety Officer and ensure that all SOLAS-related requirements are met. He shall have undergone formal Safety Officer training;
• Ensuring that Deck Department personnel are clearly assigned their specific duties and they follow safe working practices as defined by accepted working practices, Company procedures, International Conventions, Class, Flag and local regulations;
• Ensuring that Deck Department personnel follow satisfactory working practices to ensure maximum protection to the environment;
• Ensuring that all new Deck Department officers and ratings are properly familiar with all relevant procedures and that existing personnel remain suitably updated and trained in all aspects of their duties;
• Ensuring that all upward feedback from subordinate personnel, and particularly that which concerns SMS matters, is properly considered and actioned appropriately;
• Ensuring the proper execution of all planned and unscheduled functions of the department in accordance with all statutory and Company procedures;
• Ensuring that all official records and documentation applicable to the Deck Department are properly maintained, accurate and up to date and that all required reports are correctly submitted on time;
• Ensuring by co-ordination as necessary with the Chief Engineer, that maintenance of deck equipment and pollution prevention equipment is properly conducted;
• Notifying the Master immediately of any defects that may affect the safety of personnel, the ship, or put at risk the environment;
• Investigating incidents within his department and applying corrective actions as agreed with the ship s Master;
• Regular inspections of all deck areas and equipment contained therein;
• Identifying potential ship hazards associated with Deck Department operations and advising the Master accordingly;
• Ensuring that all necessary Deck Department equipment and spare parts are carried on board and that an up to date inventory is always maintained;
• To ensure that the handling of waste materials on board is compliant with the Garbage Management Plan and in accordance with the provisions of MARPOL;
• To bring to the attention of the Master any suggestions and proposals for changes with respect to the SMS.