Managerial Skills Flashcards
Two crew members come to you with a complaint that the tap water tastes weird.
Actions?
Take it under advice.
Find out which tap(s) being used.
Check locally.
Check fresh water hygiene note from last load.
Check FW Tank maintenance records.
However, until a total of three crewmembers complain, it cannot be logged.
Official Log Book - Contents?
Front Cover
Record of Seamen employed
Births and Deaths
Records of Musters and Drills
Records of Steering Gear Tests
Inspection Records (Provisions and Accom)
Loadlines, departure draughts, etc
Departure and Arrivals
Narrative Sections
Possible Entries in Narrative Section of OLB?
Changes of Master
Accidents and Casualties
Disciplinary Matters
Discharge of Seafarers
Desertions
Complains
Promotions/Demotions
Illnesses and Deaths
Appointment of Safety Officials
Wage Disputes
Meetings of Safety Committee
Front Cover of OLB - Details?
Ship: Name, port of registry, official no., GT, NT
Master: Name, COC Details
Owner: Name and registered Address
Date & Place of opening of log
Principle of resolving grievances
At the lowest possible level!
As C/O (Head of Department) you can have quiet chats, and issue verbal warnings.
The 2/O has called you to the bridge as the AB on Gangway Watch is unable to steady himself, and sounds slurred on the radio.
Actions?
Observe.
Written statement from 2/O.
Go to duty AB, try to ascertain facts. Can I smell alcohol on his breath?
Wake up relief AB, send duty AB to bed to sober up.
Advise Master to agree on next steps.
In the morning;
Chat with duty AB. Inform them that a hearing will be taking place (date, time, right to accompaniment)
Accused of Section 7 Gross misconduct; breach of alcohol policy.
Collate facts of case. Set out evidence. Allow chance to confirm or deny.
Decide on final action. At the very least, final written warning.
What are Section 7 offences under Merchant Navy Code of Conduct?
Section 7 offences amount to Gross Misconduct and may lead to dismissal from vessel on first offence.
Examples:
Assault | Wilful Damage | Theft | Possession of Weapons | Possession or Distribution of Drugs | Wilful or Persistent Failure to perform duty | Dangerous Conduct | Being Asleep on Duty | Disobedience | Breach of Smoking and Alcohol policy | Barratry or Mutiny | Bullying or Ostracising Behaviour | Harrassment | Smuggling or authorisation of such | Bribery
Critical Pre-Departure Checks
Passage Plan
Bridge Equipment (RADAR, ECDIS, Log)
Compass Error
Steering Gear
Nav Lights
Prime Movers (Engines and Thrusters)
Watertight Integrity
LSA Serviceable
Remember SEAWORTHINESS
Vessel is to undertake a journey from Cape Town to Cyprus.
Concerns and Controls?
Extreme weather upon departure from Cape Town - wind and swell across long fetch.
Ensure heavy weather checklist complete before departure. Double check WTDs, hatches and tank lids.
Piracy along Somali coast.
Advise crew PRIOR to departure of transit of high-risk/war-like zone and that they have a right to disembark if they wish.
Suez Pilots running aground.
Maintain excellent vigilance during canal passage, dual watch if necessary.
Preparations for Heavy Weather?
- Assess stability, need to ballast (be wary of high GM)
- Advise all relevant personnel
- Secure scuttles and deadlights
- Loose gear stowed and secured (Galley)
- Verify WTDs all closed, advise of need to minimise opening.
- Double-check lashings on anchors, cranes, lifeboats, mooring lines, paints and chemicals.
- Close vents and sounding pipes
Mooring line has been lost overside during heavy weather. Actions?
Transmit securité advising shipping of approximate area and nature of hazard.
Retrieve spare from stores.
Update mooring line log.
What rules govern disciplinary procedures on a ship?
Code of Conduct for Merchant Navy
What else can we consult for assistance in disciplinary actions?
ACAS Code of Practice
Just Culture Decision Tree
What are the stages of disciplinary action?
Informal Warning
Formal Warning
Written Warning
Final Warning
Dismissal
Can a Master terminate employment?
No
