16 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 19 | Q4 2024 SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW coordination and active response from our shore superintendents, we managed to limit and mitigate the issues and continue without further delay; however, it is not on how you react and respond to those technical issues but rather on how we should have prevented it from happening from the beginning with proper inspections and continued regular maintenance, and positive mindset. The other challenge we faced was the significant climate and weather changes. We have observed bigger, stronger and more unpredictable weather, especially for transatlantic and transpacific voyages. it generally affected ship’s deck maintenance, delays in arrival, ship’s structure against waves and swells, and also crew’s normal resting periods, etc. Although with present technologies of weather monitoring that helps vessel to predict and pre-plan route to avoid potential heavy weathers and typhoons including the still developing ones, there were instances that the vessel would have experienced more than the weather forecasts in actual. Proper planning and weather monitoring are the best way to keep the vessel safe to minimize any further danger from heavy weather. The last challenge I want to share is the final preparation and official start of the SIRE 2.0. As we all know that intensive and lengthy preparations have been conducted by the company and the vessel for our seafarers onboard and ashore. Since the launch of the SIRE 2.0., we have observed the increase of observation on human elements as expected. Now that we have some preliminary results, we have to increase more our efforts to elevate crew’s moral, boost their confidence, continue the best practice with highest quality of safety onboard and eliminate complacency and bad habits in order to close those gaps. Upon completion of 2024, are there any lessons learned you would like to share? AT: It’s important to conduct proactive risk assessments and maintain backup plans. The Red Sea crisis demonstrated our need for flexibility and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Effective communication with the crew, company shore personnel, and relevant authorities is essential for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring vessel safety. I also emphasized the importance of crew welfare, recognizing the impact of stress and anxiety on performance. We must maintain open communication and provide support to all crew members. Furthermore, I’ve learned that regular training is crucial for adhering to new regulations. It’s vital that the crew remains proficient in current regulations and security measures. PP: Considering last year experience and situations faced on board, I understood that there is no room nor time for “vessel’s preparation” anymore. Upon boarding, every crew member, especially the Senior Officers, should start the process to bring their personal performance and knowledge, with final result the overall vessel’s operational status, in the highest possible achieved levels. The target is to bring the vessel in such level that it should be ready any time for any inspection once required so. It is of the outmost importance to manage the crew to perform the day-today activities and procedures with this culture. The best constructed vessel needs capable crew to handle her in the most efficient way as well. JP: The importance of regular inspections and proper maintenance of vessel’s equipment and machinery is very vital because it may disrupt vessel’s normal operations or jeopardize vessel’s safety. Manufacturer’s and company’s planned maintenance and inspections are there for a reason and they should not be taken for granted. Unusual alarms or signals should also be reported since they might indicate any potential hazards later on. The other lesson I want to share is about the human elements. We all know that seafarers are dealing with various indifference; it may be cultural gap, power (rank) gap and now what we call, generation gap, which in this era of modern technology and social media, it may result to distractions and loss of focus from the jobs onboard. The company’s effort towards the better development of onboard personnel such as CBT’s, safety culture training and briefings, resilience, tackling and discussing mental health
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