Incorporation in the Safety Management System of Procedures to be Observed during Inclement Weather

May 10, 2013

MARINA ADVISORY NO. 04-13

 

In order to enhance safety of navigation during inclement weather, all shipping companies certificated under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and National Safety Management (NSM) Code are required to establish and document in their Safety Management System procedures to be observed during inclement weather which, as a minimum, should contain the following:

1. Routine monitoring of weather condition: barometric pressure, temperature, gale warning, etc., in the route to be traversed and at the port/s of departure and destination;

2. Monitoring of the Public Storm Warning Signal from PAG-ASA when typhoon enters the Philippine area of responsibility;

3. Precaution to be observed in case of sudden change of weather and sea condition;

4. An hourly or more frequent reporting to the company on the status and location of the ship in case of severe bad weather;

5. Identification of places of shelter along the ship's route prior to sailing;

6. Documenting and posting at the bridge the contact information of responsible persons within the Company, rescue organizations, if applicable, and the nearest Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Unit/s along the ship's route, in case the magnitude of emergency necessitates the need for a rescue operation; and

7. Evacuation plan of passengers and/or crew, as applicable, in case a ship is being rescued.

All concerned companies shall submit a copy of the draft procedures prior to the next company/ship audit, for review by MARINA.

The procedures recommended in this advisory shall be included in the scope of the next company and/or ship external audit.

Companies which are not covered by existing MARINA Circulars regarding the implementation of the ISM and NSM Codes shall, as far as practicable, adopt in their operational procedures measures equivalent to the above, which shall be verified at the next ship safety inspection. ESTaHC

This advisory shall complement Flag State Administration Advisory No. 2011-07 dated 11 August 2011, Protocol During Emergencies.

For strict compliance.

 

(SGD.) ATTY. NICASIO A. CONTIOfficer-in-Charge

Published in The Manila Times on May 22, 2013.