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Internal Audits News

07 May 2021

Choose Wisely: A Deep Dive into Domestic Passenger Vessels SMS Proposed Rulemaking

A fire aboard the 75-foot dive boat Conception killed all 33 passengers and one of the vessel’s six crew members in September 2019. (Photo: Ventura County Fire Department)

On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) for Safety Management System (SMS) requirements in the domestic passenger vessel industry (Docket No. USCG-2020-0123). This requirement will have the largest implications on the domestic passenger vessel industry since the revisions of 46 CFR Subchapter T & K in the mid-90s. However, the question remains, is it necessary?Over the last three decades, the effectiveness and need for


21 Aug 2020

US Continues to Crack Down on Maritime Pollution Crimes Despite COVID-19

© Kirk / Adobe Stock

United States Department of Justice’s steadfast protection of U.S. waters equates to criminal charges and massive finesThe United States has a long history of holding companies and individuals accountable for violating environmental laws and regulations, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). With the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), which implements MARPOL, United States government agencies continue to prioritize the protection of oceans and waterways from pollution.

21 Jan 2019

Safety Management Systems: A Good fit for Passenger Vessels?

The evidence and industry subject matter experts both say ‘yes.’In its recently released SAFER SEAS DIGEST, Lessons Learned from Marine Accident Investigations (2017), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports investigating numerous accidents across all modes of transportation where a properly implemented safety management system (SMS) could have prevented injuries, loss of life, or material damage. That document spans analysis of casualties across the full spectrum of all manners of marine craft, blue water and brown, foreign and domestic.Different authorities and subject matter experts (SME) differ on how they might explain a SMS, but it all adds up to one thing. But, what is a Safety Management System?

02 Nov 2018

IMO Rolls-out Auditing Scheme

Auditing  International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States to assess how effectively they administer key IMO treaties is an important part of the Organization's work to ensure its regulatory framework is universally adopted and implemented.According to IMO release, a regional training course for auditors under the IMO's Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) took place in Busan, Republic of Korea (29 October - 2 November).The training provided specific skills in auditing Member States using the IMO Instruments Implementation Code as the audit standard. Participants were made up of senior maritime administration personnel who are, or will be


19 Apr 2017

Understanding Legal Liability in a Subchapter M Environment

© Ed Metz / Adobe Stock

There is more to SubM than just attention to safety. Protect yourself accordingly. In today’s environment, safety management systems for brown water marine operators are standard industry practice, whether they come in the form of the American Waterways Operators (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) or the Tanker Safety Management Assessment (TSMA) framework developed by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) for liquid carriers. However, with the full-fledged implementation of Subchapter M on the horizon


29 Mar 2017

Partnerships Drive SubChapter M Solutions

© Dale Stagg / Adobe Stock

Management software: vendors, consultants, class strive to provide turnkey service. Unless you’ve been lost at sea for the last few years, you know about Subchapter M. You know the June publication of the U.S. Coast Guard’s regulations for ensuring minimum safety standards on tows and tugs, which will extend inspection requirements to the majority of these vessels for the first time, moved the long-awaited, and in some cases, dreaded program from the haze of eventually out into the cold light of day.

16 Nov 2016

USCG Approves Subchapter M Internal Auditor Course

SafeMARINER, LLC and the ACTion group’s Marine Internal Lead Auditor (MILA) course has been audited by a third-party registrar and is now recognized as the first internal lead auditor course developed specifically for the inland industry and subchapter M. The course has been certified as meeting the ISO 19011 Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems and the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Requirements. The USCG has reviewed the course and determined that it is substantially equivalent to an ISO 9001 course and meets the internal auditor training requirements under 46 CFR 138.310(d)(2). “This course is full of practical hands on exercises for opening meetings


23 May 2016

Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau Elects New Leaders

File photo: WCI

Members of the Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB), the recognized professional trade organization of marine auditors, met on May 10, 2016 to elect a new slate of leaders for the 2016-2017 year, during TVIB’s Annual Membership Meeting and Spring Board of Directors Meeting. Lee Nelson, President of Upper River Services, was elected President, succeeding Ed Shearer, Principal Naval Architect of The Shearer Group. Captain David A. Foret, Jr., President of the ACTion group companies, was elected Vice President.

02 Mar 2016

The (Updated) Responsible Carrier Program

Katharine SweeneyMonday, February 08, 2016

Last summer, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) announced its intent to accept the American Waterway Operators (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program (RCP) as an acceptable Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) under pending Subchapter M regulations. The acceptance did not come without some major changes to the RCP, changes that were needed to ensure the RCP would meet USCG requirements and become a viable option for operators once new Subchapter M regulations take effect. When that happens is anyone’s guess.

27 Sep 2015

Can Company Strategies Enhance Competence?

Capt Pradeep Chawla, Managing Director QHSE & Training, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd., delivered a theme address at the World Maritime Day symposium on "Shipping's future needs people: Is global maritime education and training on course?". Following is the Edited Abstract of his paper which discusses the strategies and efforts of a Ship Management company, to enhance competence of the seafarers through a comprehensive company training program. Competence is generally defined as ‘the ability to do something successfully or efficiently’. It is generally accepted that both knowledge and skill are required to be competent. IMO is the guardian of the maritime industry and has tirelessly worked since 1978 to bring about one common standard of training of the seafarers worldwide.

27 Aug 2015

IMEI Certification - Unique Achievement

For Institute of Marine Engineers of India having achieved standardisation and maintainenace of quality processes simultaneously not just at their Head Office but also their eight branches and Five Chapters, spread all over the country is unique in India, as it is run by a group of honorary volunteers who have dedicated themselves for the cause of their industry. Being an achievement worth celebrating, members of the Institute gathered on Saturday 22nd August 2015, at IME (I) House, Nerul, for the presentation ceremony of the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate. The Chief Guest for the evening was Deepak Shetty, Director General Shipping, and the Guests of Honour, Arun Kumar Gupta, CMD SCI and Shashi Nath Mishra – Head, IRQS.

12 May 2015

Offshore Workboat Fire Safety

A Novec 1230 gas suppression system provides a unique, Class-compliant and effective margin of safety for an offshore dive support vessel. Despite the recent drop in oil prices, the marine sector remains extremely busy supporting the oil industry, and this will always remain the case. The squeeze on contractual pricing and labor is a recent issue caused by that drop in oil prices. Fortunately, the sector is led by legislation in the form of IMO/SOLAS regulations and respective Flag State requirements which are controlled by regulatory authorities such as DNV


16 Sep 2013

Drydocks World Attains API Certification

Dry Docks World certification: Photo credit DD World

Drydocks World, active in the Middle East international, maritime, oil & gas and energy sectors, announce it has been formally recognized through the American Petroleum Institute (API) Specification Q1 certification for the shipyard’s Quality Management System. The stringent API certification process requires that the company has a Quality Management system, quality manual and proper and adequate performance documentation processes and procedures. This includes performing and documenting an internal audit and management review in accordance with the standard.

12 Sep 2013

Drydocks World Receives API Spec Q1 Certification

(l-r) Mark Morris, Director - Global HSEQ; Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman; Mohammad  Alawadhi, Global Quality Manager; Dr. Markus Voege VP Operations & Production DDW

Drydocks World, a maritime service provider to the international, maritime, oil and gas and energy sectors, announced formal recognition through American Petroleum Institute (API) Specification Q1 certification for the shipyard’s Quality Management System which is suited to the requirements of the offshore oil and gas sectors. This certification complements the company’s strategy to penetrate the offshore oil and gas sector with high quality, customized and added value services. The company’s Quality Management System is also certified in accordance with ISO9001: 2008 requirements.

02 May 2013

Lloyd's Offers ISM and the DPA Training

Photo: Lloyd's Register

Lloyd’s Register offers in-depth knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the DPA. Attendees of this course will gain the knowledge and skills required by the IMO MSC-MEPC7 / circ.6 (October 19, 2007). The two-day course was designed to provide the knowledge and skills required in accordance with the guidance and recommendation given by the IMO. Through a highly participative combination of presentations, group discussions, case studies plus individual and syndicate exercises


12 Feb 2013

GL Group Pass DQS Management System Audit

DQS Certificate Award: Photo credit GL Group

The first combined DQS Certificate in the fields of quality, environment, occupational health & safety awarded to GL Group. The GL Group has received a combined certificate of compliance with the BS OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards after successfully passing an integrated management system audit conducted by the German certification body DQS. The Group is the first technical advisor for assurance, consulting, classification and certification to receive such a combined matrix certificate. head office in Hamburg. makes it safer, smarter and greener.

30 Nov 2012

Subchapter M & the Towing Vessel Bridging Program: What’s Next?

This time last year, the U.S. Coast Guard was busy taking comments on the proposed rulemaking for Subchapter M. A very vocal discussion ensued, with the predominant comments focused on impending requirements for rebuilding vessel electrical systems, the standard six on six off “boxed” watch schedules and whether elements of the Crew Endurance Management Systems (CEMS) should be included in the rulemaking. As of today, the industry has yet to hear of any definitive outcome of Subchapter M discussions, or plans for a final rulemaking.

27 Sep 2012

New Solutions Soothe Sub M Uncertainties

Germanischer Lloyd, Baker Lyman Sub-Chapter M Alliance brings affordable, turnkey TSMS solutions – and compliance – to towboat operators. When a family-owned, Gulf Coast based marine firm known primarily as a Chart Agent branches out into the world of maritime software, that’s big news. When a global, U.S. Coast Guard recognized vessel classification society acquires a world class survey and engineering firm to form a fully integrated technical consulting company, that’s arguably even bigger news. And, when those two entities – Baker Lyman (BL) and Germanischer Lloyd (GL) – this summer announced a strategic partnership intended to provide a turnkey


09 Jan 2012

The Center(s) of Expertise

Scott Elphison, senior marine inspector for the Coast Guard Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise, addresses students and fellow instructors in a cruise ship inspection on Oct. 31, 2009. The lesson was part of an Advanced Foreign Passenger Vessel Examination course.

U.S. Coast Guard's Safety Strategy Incorporates Tightly Focused Training at Carefully Chosen Venues. The U.S. Coast Guard opened seven National Centers of Expertise in 2009, locating three alone on the busy Gulf Coast, The concept of national centers of expertise – or “centers of excellence” – dates back to the 1960s when technology became more advanced and required new skill sets. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps all operate such hubs, as do federal agencies, foreign governments and industries ranging from manufacturing to health care.

09 Jan 2012

IMCA: Audits Improve Business Practices

Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA

Audits are fundamental to safe and efficient projects, whether they are audits (or assessments, appraisals, desk-top verifications, examinations, inspections, reviews, spot checks or surveys) of equipment, procedures, or the behaviour of individuals. Indeed, they are part of any safety management system (SMS). The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has published an information note on Audits, with the aim of encouraging discussion about them, and to show how this process can provide an opportunity for ‘business improvement’.

12 Jul 2011

Jayne Matthews Joins BMT Group

BMT Group Ltd, a maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy firm, has appointed Jayne Matthews Manager, Operational Risk. Matthews will be responsible for leading and managing risk and risk support activities, as well as the internal audits of BMT Group and BMT subsidiary companies. She will also control BMT’s Sustainability Management System (SuMS). Matthews has over 20 years’ experience working in quality management. She also holds a BA in Biochemistry, a Ph.D.

08 Jul 2011

Matthews joins BMT

BMT Group Ltd, announced the appointment of Jayne Matthews as Manager, Operational Risk. Jayne will be responsible for leading and managing risk and risk support activities, as well as the internal audits of BMT Group and BMT subsidiary companies. She will also take charge of controlling BMT’s unique Sustainability Management System (SuMS).Jayne has over 20 years’ experience working in quality management. She also holds a BA in Biochemistry, PHD in Biological Sciences, Post Graduate Certificate in Quality Management, membership of the Chartered Quality Institute and is a Chartered Quality Professional.Jayne joins BMT Group having run her own management consultancy business for a number of years


22 Aug 2003

Laurin Maritime to Utilize Bass’ SAFIR

BASS today announced that Laurin Maritime has signed an agreement for delivery of SAFIR for optimizing the administration of reporting according to the chapter 9 of the ISM code. Laurin Maritime will also utilize the system further by including internal audits, inspections and other company specific procedures. Laurin Maritime is installing SAFIR as a central database set-up in their office in Houston and will access the same database remotely from their office in Gothenburg. Furthermore they will install SAFIR on their 10 vessels and also on the newbuildings arriving during the next couple of years. " We have a strong commitment to