Best Practices
Practical tips, attributed to the role that typically applies them, drawn from each of the platform's 12 thematic modules.
Before signing each completed ORB page, check entries against available evidence and clarify discrepancies with the responsible officer. Individual operations are signed by the officer in charge; the Master’s signature does not replace those signatures.
Treat every Near Miss as valuable information, not as a problem to downplay: a punitive culture toward those who report drives down the reporting rate, and with it real safety.
Do not disable safety alarms merely to remove unwanted alerts: use approved settings suited to route, scale, draught and context, acknowledge alarms, and document changes under onboard procedures.
Monitor the fleet's Ship Risk Profile actively, not just ship by ship: a pattern of repeated deficiencies across different units is a systemic signal that requires company-level action.
Before enclosed-space entry, apply the SMS risk assessment, isolation, ventilation, atmosphere testing and authorisation. Yesterday’s measurement does not establish present safety; maintain monitoring, communications, attendance and rescue readiness throughout the work.
When an alarm or fire involves lithium batteries, isolate the area, activate the emergency response and follow approved procedures, cargo information and the relevant EmS schedules. Cooling may be needed, but method and intensity depend on battery, location, containment and available systems; account for toxic gases and possible reignition.
Continuously monitor position against the passage plan. Before a planned deviation check hazards, no-go areas and UKC and brief the bridge team; where immediate action is needed to avoid danger, manoeuvre safely and update the assessment and plan as soon as practicable.
Periodically test standby equipment too, not just the primary units: a 'spare' component that is never tested can turn out to be broken exactly when it's needed.
Prepare the repair specification well in advance and review it with class/the yard before entering dry dock: surprises in dry dock cost far more time and money than planned-for surprises.
Before considering an extension, identify the certificate and its specific statutory provision, then obtain Administration or Recognized Organization authorization where competent. There is no general three-month extension, and class certificates follow separate rules.
Before adopting EPL/ShaPoLi, assess with operations staff how limited power affects the voyage. Align the Technical File, OMM and manoeuvring information: the reserve is not a margin for recovering commercial delays.
Distinguish counting before departure, safety briefing and muster. Where passengers are scheduled aboard for more than 24 hours, newly embarked passengers muster before or immediately upon departure; new passengers receive the briefing immediately before or after departure. Check assistance and records under applicable requirements.
In upcoming updates: additional contributions as the platform grows.
Reviewed 16 September 2026: consult linked topics and applicable sources. IMO MSC.581(110); Paris MoU — refusal of access; OCIMF SIRE 2.0;
Last substantive revision: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 9702f5bf4829