A deep dive into the 4 focus areas of DBMS – Process
In this article I will take a closer look at the largest area of DBMS: – process, within this area, the target is to manage the company’s risks by providing safe systems of work so that the workforce is equipped to manage HSSE risks and obligations. All hazards are identified, and risks are assessed and is adequately controlled. Emergency plans are developed, tested, and maintained, with specific training provided. Incidents are reported, investigated and the lessons learned are communicated.
Within this section there are twelve subject areas: –
19 Mooring & anchoring
20 Cargo & ballast
21 Bridge procedures & standards
22 Risk assessment & management
23 Permit to work
24 Safety culture improvement
25 Environmental management
26 Management of change including vessel acquisition
27 Security management
28 Cyber security
29 Emergency planning including crisis management
30 Incident reporting, investigation & training
Eight of these subject areas, numbers 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30, are designated as priority areas. These priority areas are intended to be a starting point for companies with limited resources, to start the self-assessment process, before including the remaining subject areas.
Subject area 19 mooring and anchoring is meant to ensure the company develops and implements planning and operational processes for mooring, anchoring, and access, to ensure these are carried out effectively without injury to people and damage to the environment. Topics covered are procedures for safe mooring, anchoring, use of tugs and access, as well as maintenance of equipment and inspections of wires ropes and shackles.
Subject area 20 cargo & ballast is drafted to ensure the company develops and implements planning and operational processes for cargo and ballast, to ensure these are carried out effectively without injury to people and damage to the environment. Topics in this section include procedures for cargo and ballast operations, maintenance of cargo equipment, forms and verification of processes.
Subject area 21 bridge procedures and standards is written to confirm the company develops and implements planning and operational processes for navigation, including bridge team management, to ensure this is carried out effectively without injury to people and damage to the environment. Topics included are passage planning, watchkeeping, bridge organisation, navigation audits and assessments.
Subject area 22 risk assessment & management makes sure the company has a programme to assess, prioritise and manage operating risks to prevent harm to people, damage to the environment and to achieve operational effectiveness. It includes topics around hazard identification, risk assessment, training of staff and communication of risk control measures.
Subject area 23 permit to work makes certain the company has a formal control of work process to provide a work environment that will allow tasks to be completed safely with adequate control measures in place. Within this we look at permit-to-work and isolation procedures, training and audits.
Subject area 25 environmental management checks the company manages the impact of its operations on the environment and integrates environmental requirements into the safety management system. This covers issues such as oil & oily water, sewage, garbage and air pollution, ballast water management, ship energy efficiency as well as internal audits covering environmental processes
Subject area 26 management of change including vessel acquisition tests whether the company has a formal process to document, evaluate, approve, and communicate temporary and permanent changes that could impact safe, compliant, and efficient operations. Matters included are risk assessment, identification and application of mitigations, levels of approval, and communication of the change.
Subject area 27 security management confirms the company has processes in place to maintain the security of the workforce, vessels, and premises. It covers areas like security procedures, staff, training, and drills.
Subject area 28 cyber security makes sure the company has a programme to design and operate IT and digital process control systems to manage risk to system and information integrity, availability, and confidentiality. It covers areas like cyber security assessments, procedures, staff, and training.
Subject area 29 emergency planning including crisis management makes certain the company prepares for and responds promptly to emergency events threatening harm to its staff, vessels, and other incidents. It covers emergency response plans, roles and responsibilities of staff, drill plans and exercises.
Finally, Subject area 30 incident reporting, investigation & training checks the company has a programme to report and investigate incidents; determine immediate and root causes and implement appropriate corrective actions. It includes reporting of incidents and near misses, procedures for investigations, training of staff and tracking of corrective actions, as well as ensuring lessons learned are shared.
If you have any further questions, please check out our website https://drybulkmanagementstandard.org or you can email the team, directly, at enquiries@drybulkmanagementstandard.org
