Shipboard Safety Officer Course

Safety on board ships has come a long way in reducing accidents, but there is still a lot of scope to improve safety.
Course | Updated

Most of the accidents at sea are due to Human Error. Human error can be reduced by proper training and motivation. Accidents mainly happen due to lack of management, taking shortcuts, complacency, attitudes, etc.

The responsibilities to avoid accidents flow from the top down; from the shore establishment to the Master, to each and every individual aboard. "Safety awareness" by all hands is the biggest single factor in reducing accidents.

The role of the Shipboard Safety Officer is to promote Safety Culture by training and motivating the crew. It is the desire of every seafarer to work in a safe and healthy environment.

Neglecting safety not only endangers an individual's life but also his colleagues. It can have serious implications on one's health and the marine environment besides down time and financial losses.

Auditors, Port State Control Inspectors, Vetting Inspectors, lay a lot of emphasis on following correct safety procedures and practices. The Shipboard Safety Officer course has been designed with a view of training the designated safety officer in understanding the importance of running a safer and cleaner ship thus spreading safety awareness amongst fellow seafarers.

The  course is based on the Guidelines given in the STCW Code 2010 Table   A-II/2 & A-III/2 and IMO Model Course 3.11 (Marine Accident & Incident Investigation).

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to: 

  • Have the knowledge of the general dangers involved in shipboard operations.
  • Understand the role of a safety officer.
  • Understand the importance of identifying general hazards and spreading safety awareness.
  • Carry out Risk assessment.
  • Carry out accident investigations and root cause analysis.
  • Handle stress and fatigue and understand its implications to accidents.
  • Understand the importance of reporting near misses and accidents.
  • Handle internal and external safety audits. 

 Duration: 2 days

Suggested Target Group: Any ship's staff who may be designated as a Shipboard Safety Officer 

Course Contents: 

  • Brief introduction to ISM Code. 
  • Introduction to Health and Safety legislations.
  • Responsibilities and duties of the Shipboard Safety Officer. 
  • Conducting Safety Meetings and spreading safety awareness on board. 
  • Risk assessment. 
  • Undergoing Audits. 
  • Reporting near misses and accidents; maintaining an Accident prevention Log.
  • Accident theory and accident investigation. 
  • Handling Stress and Fatigue and its impact on safety. 
  • Case Studies and lessons lea