The Nautical Institute and the International Salvage Union (ISU) launch publication to advise responses to a ship casualty
The Nautical Institute and the International Salvage Union (ISU) have launched 'Casualty Management Guidelines', a book aimed at providing practical guidelines to help seafarers during a casualty, when demands can be confusing, contradictory, unclear or a combination of all three.
In the book masters and crew members are told what to expect from people or organisations that might be involved as the casualty unfolds. Chapters are presented, describing how masters should expect to deal with different people, from owners to government officials, insurance representatives and salvage experts. It will give all involved an idea of the job each may be undertaking, together with priorities and responsibilities. The Chapters have been authored by experts in these fields, who have casualty experience to share.
In a Foreword to the book, Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, said Casualty Management Guidelines “should become recommended reading for all those who may find themselves in a position of responsibility during a maritime casualty – preferably well in advance of the event.”
The book was launched at an event to coincide with the ISU’s Associate Members’ Day in London where Technical Editor Mr John Noble FNI, who, until recently, was an advisor to the ISU acting as its General Manager said: “When a major casualty occurs a number of priorities become immediately apparent – the first is to ensure the safety of life of those onboard. A modern reality is that protection of the environment has become the second priority for responders. As many as 50 people may be involved in immediate casualty response activities and the purpose of these guidelines is to give all parties an idea of where priorities lie with others attending , especially where there are political pressures when a casualty threatens the environment.