Revisions to certain subject areas of the Dry Bulk Management Standard – June 2020

During the first month of the Dry Bulk Management Standard being available for review, we have received feedback from several interested parties.  This feedback was collated and circulated to our technical committee for evaluation. Following this evaluation, the suggestions made have either been incorporated without change, incorporated with minor amendments, or it was decided that the suggestion was not appropriate to the standard. Thank you to everyone who has submitted feedback. 

 

PERFORMANCE

In subject area no. 2 vessel visits and communications, at the intermediate level, the target has been added to carry out at least two visits by shore staff each year.  At the excellence level, the target has been added that visits by shore staff should be carried out on passage as well as in port. 

 

PEOPLE

In subject area no. 9 crew management & recruitment, at the basic level the expectation of pre-employment medical checks has been added, and at the advanced level we have added the expectation of enhanced pre-employment medicals to screen for underlying medical conditions. 

In subject area no. 13 crew welfare, there is now an expectation at the basic level that the company has processes to support mental health and well-being aboard, with a target of providing  literature.  The target to provide literature has been removed from the intermediate level.  At the advanced level, there is now an expectation that the company provides access to telemedicine services to its seafarers.  At the excellence level, with regards to seafarer surveys, we have suggested these may be carried out by 3rd parties, to provide anonymity to the seafarers responding.  With regards to promoting a respectful workplace at this level, we have suggested that the company has an open-door policy for reporting breaches of company guidelines on discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment, and the company provides a clear reassurance on whistle blowing. 

 

PROCESS

In subject area 21 bridge procedures & standards, at the advanced level, we have added a target regarding the competency of people carrying out navigation assessments. 

Finally, in subject area 30 incident reporting, investigation & training, at the excellence level we have added that the external training for key staff in incident investigation be refreshed at intervals not exceeding five years. 

 

We continue to receive feedback, and this will be evaluated in the same way described in the first paragraph. It is really heartening that people in the industry are participating in providing feedback. This will be a truly collaborative standard. 

Please go to our Guidelines and Standards page to download the latest revisions of the draft subject areas.