Hello DPA

Every tragedy in shipping brings in new rules, regulations and new measurements.

Not only new terms welcome us in the complexity of technical management of a ship but it also makes us understand the structured framework of policies and procedures and why they should be followed to keep up with a Safety Management System (SMS), running ships safely.

Probably every branch of any developing industry does aim safety, productivity, you name it. This is why every field of work has professionals running the business. It is comforting to say there are ship managers whose job is to manage someone's ship technically but, for "do it yourself" entrepreneurs, here is a short summary of the skeleton crew and what they do.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) has standards you can not avoid. The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention, as its name suggests is actually vital. When SOLAS urges you to write down what you say and do what you write, you would be stepping into a SMS. The method of self-disciplined way of shipping developed over the years is called International Safety Management (ISM) and comes with a Code.

The ship-owning company and the ship should have documents proving the ship is managed safely in line with the Code and the management organization is staunch enough to tackle the challenges of daily mishaps.

One may forget to close the bow doors used for loading vehicles and a designated person ashore (DPA) could help prevent worse sloppiness.

Of course, everything could look good on paper, the technical management sits perfect with the paperwork but accidents may continue. That is why DPA's role has shifted from a simple administrative link mentioned in the SMS to a proactive "safety auditor".

Now, we know there is a person called DPA, preferably a captain bridging the ship to the management with a direct line to the boss so that no excuses are produced related to the ship's safety.

Besides DPA, you would need superintendents. One for the engines and the other for the deck. You guessed it. A chief engineer and a captain ashore. Engine spares and repairs is a main branch hold by the technical superintendent and the remaining issues are controlled by the deck superintendent, keeping the tree green.

With the help of the magician(s) managing the crew, the accounts and the supplies, the team is formed, the ship is run.

A Code, a few good people and some cash will make your ship sail safely.

It is a summary of cost saving in a nutshell.

Bon voyage!