June 2, 2015
They are our ‘guardians of safety’ who will ensure that our seafarers get home safely.
The two main facets of Operational Leadership are ‘flawless customer service’ and ‘fetting our people home safely’. Hence our safety officers play an important role in helping us achieve Operational Leadership.
In the actual space of operational possibilities onboard a vessel, we have on one side the unceasing pressure towards efficiency – can we do it quicker? Can it be done in a more cost effective way? On an alternative side, we have the pressure towards least effort – Can we put if off to a later time or let’s do the job in the easiest possible way? To ensure Operational Leadership, the most important area within the space of operational possibilities is can we do it more safely? This is where the safety officers onboard must step up their game. They are often required to be the sharp end of the sword to ensure this equation is suitably balanced.
The questions that often rises – Are our safety officers adequately armed to carry out this important role? Are they provided with specific risk management tools? Do they receive the necessary support and guidance onboard?
We have various avenues for the safety officers to expand their proficiency in this role:
- Safety officers course (OSO) – This shore based Teekay specific training is carried out on a quarterly basis. It is of great value especially with the number of new hires and newly promoted safety officers we currently have in our fleet.
- Safety officers mail box – Each vessel has a specific safety officer email address which is a part of a ‘team safety officer’ group email address. This provides a forum to share best practices, exchange ideas about campaigns, and improve the overall safety around the fleet.
- Safety officer conference calls – Whenever we have a QATO passing through our office, we arrange for conference calls with the safety officers onboard our vessels. The reason for the call is to coach and mentor the safety officers, reinforce their safety inspection skills, as well as clarify any queries or doubts on HSEQ matters.
- Safety checklist – We have recently compiled a checklist of all the “action items” taken from ‘TML monthly alerts’ as well as recent VIQ Chapter five vetting findings. This will assist the safety officers in specific checks, and once completed, will ensure a safer ship with zero PSC and chapter five vetting observations.