Page 192 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Safety management

a comprehensive framework of best
practice, yet incidents continue to occur
because guidance has not been effec-
tively translated into execution. The time
has come to move beyond reliance on
written standards and embed safety into
the daily practice of all stakeholders.
For vessel operators, this means adopt-
ing enhanced training, structured drills,
experience retention systems, and rig-
orous risk assessments that consider
the performance of service providers,
the quality of equipment, and environ-
mental conditions. For service providers,
it means embracing transparency, carry-
ing meaningful financial safeguards, and
committing to structured oversight. For
charterers, it means using contractual
leverage to require prudent providers
and align commercial priorities with
safety.
Ultimately, compliance must be rede-
fined as a strategic commitment, not
an administrative burden. OCIMF’s
“minimum risk” procedures should be
seen as living benchmarks, forming the
foundation of risk assessment and lia-
bility management across the sector.
If the industry is embraced in this way,
it has the tools to foster a genuine cul-
ture of safety. Only then will STS oper-
By stipulating that only vetted, low-risk as a box-ticking exercise: forms are com- ations truly reflect the high standards
service providers may be used, char- pleted, checklists are signed, but the envisioned over the past half century –
terers and owners align commercial underlying culture remains unchanged. and prevent the recurrence of avoidable
arrangements with safety priorities. OCIMF’s “minimum risk” procedures accidents.
This approach shifts safety from being establish clear benchmarks, and in the
an operational afterthought to a con- event of an incident, they may well influ-
tractual obligation, thereby reducing ence the allocation of liability. Yet some
the temptation to select providers solely operators regard them as administrative
on the basis of cost. obstacles rather than as opportunities
Finally, requiring STS service providers to strengthen resilience.
to carry indemnity cover of at least This mindset prevents meaningful About DYNAMARINe
USD 10 million, with a deductible not improvement. Compliance, when reduced DYNAMARINe is a specialised Risk Assurance
exceeding USD 10,000, would help to paperwork, delivers little protection. Subject Matter Expert in (STS) operations,
ensure financial responsibility and resil- But when reframed as a strategic choice, bridging the gap between guidance and
execution. Managing a registered fleet
ience. Such requirements would not only it becomes a pathway to enhanced of about 1,000 vessels, it delivers
safeguard compensation in the event safety, stronger legal protection, and structured oversight, vessel screening,
of an incident but also filter out pro- improved environmental responsibility. incident data analysis, and continuous
monitoring aligned with OCIMF standards
viders unwilling to meet internationally Operators who treat risk management and the ISM Code. Its expertise in risk
accepted standards of liability. as an investment rather than a burden assessment, crew preparedness, and post-
position themselves not only to avoid operation feedback has reduced incident
rates by more than 70% compared to non-
Beyond box-ticking: Compliance as a accidents but also to demonstrate registered vessels. Soon, DYNAMARINe-
strategic choice accountability to charterers, regulators, registered ships will be visible on
One of the most persistent obstacles and insurers. EQUASIS of EMSA, reinforcing transparency.
The company has also established strategic
to progress is the mindset with which STS operations now stand at a decisive partnerships with the USCG, maritime
compliance is approached. Too often, crossroads. After fifty years of OCIMF administrations, insurance underwriters,
adherence to OCIMF guidance is treated guidance, the industry has developed and AIS data providers.

190 NX