Code of Conduct

Question 1

What sort of conduct would you expect from your crew in an emergency?

Answer 1

In any emergency or other situation in which the safety of the ship or of any person on board or the marine environment is at stake, the Master, Officers and Petty Officers are entitled to look for immediate and unquestioning obedience of orders. There can be no exceptions to this rule.

Failure to comply will be treated as among the most serious of breaches of discipline and may also warrant prosecution under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Question 2

Standard expectations for everyday conduct

Answer 2

- Puncuality: Starting work on time, bridge watch, returning from shore leave etc
- Duties: Efficiently and to the best of their ability
- Treatment of accommodation: Clean and with consideration for others
- Behaviour towards others: Absuive language, harrassment, bullying etc
- Compliance with company rules and procedures: Alcohol, smoking, drugs, endangering environment etc

Question 3

Acts of gross misconduct

Answer 3

• Assault
• Wilful damage to ship or property
• Theft
• Possession of offensive weapons
• Persistent or wilful failure to perform duty
• Possession or distribution of drugs
• Conduct which endangers persons, the ship or marine environment
• disobedience of a lawful order
• Asleep on duty or failure to remain on duty
• Breach of company policy
• Failure to report to work without reason
• Sexual misconduct
• Bullying/harrassment
• Smuggling

Question 4

Acts of minor misconduct

Answer 4

• Minor acts of negligene, disobedience, assault etc
• Unsatisfactory work performance
• Poor time keeping
• Stopping work before authorised time
• Offensive or disorderly behaviour

Question 5

Dealing with minor acts of misconduct

Answer 5

a) an informal warning administered at an appropriate level
b) a formal warning by an Officer
c) a written warning by a senior Officer
d) a final written warning by a senior Officer or the Master.

When a warning other than an informal warning is given, the seafarer should be advised of the likely consequences of further breaches of discipline.

Question 6

Dealing with gross misconduct

Answer 6

Incident:
Deal with immediate danger (relieve drunken OOW/ break up fight and treat injuries etc.)

Investigate:
Speak with witnesses, get CCTV, chat with the persons involved.

Invite:
Formal letter to those involved letting them know of the breach and details of the hearing and their rights.

Hearing:
Witnessed and recorded hearing;
* Confirm they know their right to be accompanied.
* Confirm the charges involved.
* Ask them to confirm or deny.

If accepted/confirmed;
- Decision made taking into account prior history etc
- Written notice of decision given to seafarer along with copies of entries into OLB

Decide on fate and inform them in writing with a copy to the OLB

If deny or wish to fight:
* Witness statements, evidence.
* Conclude if charges stand.
* Mitigation.
* Code of conduct/fair judgement.
* Decision and written confirmation