Managing a Safety Committee

Aside from the committee's regular safety meetings, a meeting should also be held before a hazardous situation, when at least two members request a meeting to resolve an issue, and after a serious incident. If there is an urgent need for an informal safety meeting at short notice, the appropriate tool is a toolbox talk.

The safety committee is an essential part of the ship's Safety Management System (SMS). Its key roles include the Chief Engineer, the Chairperson and the Safety Officer.

The functions of the safety committee are to inspect the ship to verify that onboard safety procedures are fulfilled; to pass findings on to the crew, managers and the shipowner; and to participate in planning, managing and coordinating the work required for safe and healthy working conditions on board.

• Extra meetings: before a hazardous situation, on request by at least two members, after a serious incident.
• Urgent short-notice informal meeting = toolbox talk.
• The committee is an essential part of the SMS.
• Key roles: Chief Engineer, Chairperson, Safety Officer.
• Functions: inspect the ship, report findings to crew/managers/shipowner, plan and coordinate safe working conditions.

1. ISM Code (SOLAS Chapter IX) — shipboard safety management and safety committee arrangements.
2. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended) — ship's safety committee (Regulation 4.3 and related provisions).