There is overriding P & I club evidence that the number of navigational incidents is increasing. Prevention of these incidents can be achieved by proper monitoring of the bridge team performance, training and an understanding and recognition that the human element plays a major part in the causation of navigational incidents.
The ‘Scope of Work’ for carrying out a Navigational Audit is as follows:
The main areas and skills that will be assessed are as follows:
The consultant’s observations and recommendations are thereafter discussed with the entire bridge team, and with individual officers as necessary. Training needs are identified, discussed with the master and, wherever possible, immediate correction and refresher training is given to relevant officers
Fundamentals and key areas such as traditional navigation skills, maintaining a proper look out, determining if risk of collision exists, plotting the vessels position, compliance with the collision regulations, passage planning and bridge team management are now frequently found to be deficient on the modern bridge and among today's navigators.
EASK Marine Consultancy are masters at incorporating training during the entire Navigational Audit ensuring a safer and more effectively functioning Bridge Team.
Many companies include navigation audits as part of the routine ISM / SMS audits conducted by a superintendent when ships are alongside. There is no real value to this as assessment of the performance of the bridge team, it is only an audit against the system and it's paperwork.
A navigation assessment is not about checklists, deficiencies and non-conformities it is so much more than that, it covers all aspects of the navigation of the vessel, including the performance of the bridge team at their place of work.
Our Master Mariners use their extensive experience to verify that navigational practices are consistently applied in accordance with industry best practice and bridge procedures. On a coastal passage, preferably of four to five days duration and encompassing pilotage transits, the fundamentals and key areas mentioned above are a focus along with all the other areas that fall under the umbrella of safe navigation.
Our assessor will identify any knowledge gaps, weaknesses and strengths and seek to improve the on board navigational practices, performance, awareness and culture by taking into account human factors and offering encouragement and education. To enhance this we offer on board training where gaps are detected or perhaps where gaps have been highlighted by our clients themselves.
There is always room for improvement and whether our client feels that a navigation assessment would be beneficial after an incident, a more fleet wide solution to satisfy the best practice suggestions of TMSA or simply to promote the level of performance and improve the company profile, here at Eask Marine Consultancy we have a bespoke solution.
For more information and to discuss how we can assist you with your particular requirements, Please contact us;
For more information and to discuss how we can assist you with your particular requirements, please contact us;