Maintaining a safe environment inside a ship is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of the crew and the vessel. While this is the responsibility of every person onboard the ship, there is one designated professional to oversee the safety and handle issues. This person is called the SSO (Ship Safety Officer).
In this blog, you will acquire some deep insights into the role of an SSO.
What is a ship safety officer?
An SSO is a designated crew member appointed to look after the safety of the vessel and the crew. They implement and maintain safety standards on the vessel. A qualified individual with experience at sea is appointed as the SSO by the ship’s master or Captain.
Importance of a ship safety officer
The importance of a shipboard safety officer is not just in implementing and inspecting the safety standards. Here are some other reasons why an SSO is crucial in a ship:
- Stops accidents from occurring at sea: The SSO makes sure all emergency tools and safety gear function well to effectively respond to any emergencies.
- Safeguards the crew's health: They look after the well-being of all the staff members by maintaining secure working conditions.
- Guarantees legal compliance: Helps the vessel comply with global safety regulations such as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
- Supports emergency preparedness: An SSO organises lifeboat drills, fire drills and other safety training.
- Increases crew confidence: A trained SSO will enhance crew morale and awareness by promoting safe practices.
Duties of the ship safety officer
The following are the duties of a ship safety officer:
- Checking the safety equipment: An SSO inspects the fire extinguishers, life jackets, alarms, lifeboats, etc., to ensure they are properly maintained and fully functional.
- Detecting hazards: Locates all broken and unsafe things that could lead to accidents or injuries.
- Reporting dangerous conditions: Notifies the ship’s Master about the safety violations or risks.
- Investigate accidents: Leads investigations if a crew member gets hurt or an accident takes place.
- Maintains all safety records: One of the main ship safety officer responsibilities is to keep the logs of safety reports, drills and inspections.
- Conducts safety drills: Runs and plans abandon-ship, man-overboard or fire drills.
- Trains all new crew members: Teaches all new crew members about the emergency response steps and safety regulations.
- Advises crew members: Guides on the use of protective gear and safe behaviour.
- Inspects all working conditions: They ensure there is proper ventilation, lighting and cleanliness on the ship.
- Reviews permit to work: Makes sure that confined space entry or hot work is done safely.
Powers of a ship safety officer
Apart from the major ship safety officer duties, the SSO holds certain powers that help in enforcing safety standards.
- Coordinate with shore authorities (if needed): In case of safety standard violations, SSOs can alert the port state officials or the company.
- Speaks to the master directly: An SSO reports all safety-related matters directly to the ship’s Captain.
- Request safety improvements: They can also suggest upgrades or repairs to enhance the safety on the ship.
- Accesses all areas of the ship: An SSO can access all parts of the vessel and carry out the safety checks.
- Suspends unsafe work: They can also order the crew to stop all those tasks that are not safe or are dangerous.
Role of marine insurance in marine safety
While SSOs work to ensure safety on the vessel by implementing safety protocols, training the staff and equipping the safety tools to deal with emergencies, accidents can still happen due to reasons beyond human control. When such an unfortunate incident strikes, having a comprehensive marine insurance policy can greatly help. It covers the following:
- Crew's injuries and damages to their property due to an accident.
- Structural damage to the ship due to collisions or natural calamities.
- Cargo damage or loss because of collisions, flooding or fire.
Conclusion
The ship safety officer plays an important role in making life at sea smooth and secure. They ensure that every crew member stays completely prepared to handle emergencies and the vessel satisfies all the safety standards.
Also, having a good comprehensive marine insurance policy as part of the safety preparedeness helps in safeguarding property and people onboard. It covers the vessel, cargo, crew and the terminals, guaranteeing monetary compensation during accidents leading to damage. If you are an occasional shipper or need only a one time shipping, instead of buying a marine insurance, go for a single transit insurance. It provides coverage for a single journey.
FAQ
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Do all ships need to have an SSO?
No. Only vessels that have over 5 crew members are legally required to have an SSO.
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What sort of training is needed to become an SSO?
A crew member has to complete a safety officer course, which contains topics like safety regulations, investigations, etc. to meet the basic eligibility to become an SSO.
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Can the SSO overrule the captain?
No. The SSO reports everything to the ship’s Captain. They can suggest actions, but the Captain makes the final decision.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.