QUARTERLY EDITION | ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 LATSCO MARINE MANAGEMENT INC. 9 772653 951008 16 ISSN 2653-9519 demand to improve navigational awareness RED SEA ROULETTE Gazing forward: New NB Project - 5 LR2 Tankers
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3 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 Dear colleagues, First Quarter of 2024 has already come to an end and we are glad to share with you the Company’s milestones and achievements. Our Strong and Continuous presence to many Forums, Committees, Conferences and Universities continued and during Q1 2024, enhancing Company’s extravert culture and gaining knowledge on various technological advancements. Within this quarter Company’s Participation to Career Days either at our premises or forums outside for attracting and discussing with Mariners or Office personnel it was quite intensive and we are glad that our Company is always on the frontline of all events! In addition, as per Company’s priorities to Social Responsibility and Accountability, we are more than happy for all the initiatives such as races for a good purpose, blood donation. Our Company, within January and taking as opportunity Company’s “Cutting Pita” event at Company’s premises, introduced a new initiative to honor Company’s colleagues with service more than 20 years with the Company. Giving them “Long Service Awards”!! We truly, thank all those colleagues for their loyalty. We could not be more excited to announce you Company’s NB Project for 5(Five) LR2 tankers 115,000dwt Eco, Environmental Friendly and technologically advanced, newbuilds scrubber fitted which are subject to be delivered from the fourth quarter of 2026 to second quarter 2027. In addition, we are more than proud that our Company participates in many projects such as “Electronic Record Book” for ensuring optimal performance, safety, dependability and environmental preservation while operating our expanding fleet of vessels. And projects related to innovation, energy optimization and decarbonization. Message from COO In this issue 04 LMM at a glance 06 Company News 12 A demand to improve navigational awareness 13 Red Sea Roulette: High stakes for ships braving the Houthi-threatened waters 15 Market update 19 Seafarer’s interview - Life onboard: Dealing with stress and workload In conclusion and as result of MRM Q1 2024, We need to emphasize more on the below: ●● Adoption of further proactive approach at all aspects of our operations ●● Enhancing the qualitative root cause analysis on every finding identified internally and externally ●● Identifying trends and establishing proactive actions ●● Improving Defect reporting through trainings to responsible personnel and enhancing the qualitative root cause analysis ●● After implementation of EU ETS, working towards Maritime Fuel EU Regulation ●● Implementation of SIRE 2.0 ●● Employer Branding The next quarters are anticipated to be very demanding, with many challenges, priorities and projects working all together towards achieving all the goals. Enjoy reading! EDITORIAL Antonis Georgantzis Chief Operating Officer
4 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 LMM AT A GLANCE Key Performance Indicators 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 Number of External Inspections 2021 2022 2023 PSC SIRE CDI 30 20 10 0 53 79 17 50 90 23 57 80 19 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Fleet size 2014 - 2024 | New Building projects Existing Delivered Sold -5 -10 2023 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 11 13 17 23 25 -4 -2 3 3 6 2 2 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 LTIF / TRCF LTIF TRCF 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 2.0 Number of Observations per SIRE Inspections 2021 2022 2023 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 1.65 1.64 1.81 2020 2021 2 2 27 2019 27 2022 4 28 2 29 -3 -2 -1 2.5 Sep22-Aug23 Oct22-Sep23 Nov22-Oct23 Dec22-Nov23 Jan22-Dec23 Feb23-Jan24 Mar23-Feb24 30 2024 -1 29
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6 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 COMPANY NEWS Company’s Office Personnel Active Participation in Shipping Forums Q1 2024 Company’s Active participation in various shipping forums is continuous. For Q1 2024 the following participations have been recorded: ISALOS.net ‘Epilego Naftilia’ event Deputy Crew Manager, participated in a dynamic panel discussion about the “First Journey of Engine Cadets”, at the Merchant Marine Academy of Makedonia in Michaniona and Crete. Throughout the day both Marios Minou and Crew Assistant M. Kornezou in our Company’s stand at Michaniona and A. Zavantias Crew Operator at Crete informing students about career opportunities at Latsco. American College of Greece -1st Graduate Career Forum Vana Tampone HR Business Partner, and Niki Kostiani, HR Assistant participated in the first-ever American College Greece Graduate Career Forum. A total of 166 recruiters from 80 companies from wide range of industries met 109 graduate students, completing more than 800 interviews. SAFETY4SEA – 9th SMART4SEA Athens Forum Company’s PMS & Performance Engineer, Konstantina Manifava participated on SMART4SEA Athens Forum presenting on the 2nd panel “Powering progress: Energy Efficiency Practices”, which focused on implementing CBM technologies in Shipping, the future of CBM and key applications for Digital revolution in Energy Management and the role of digitalization 14th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum Our Company participated in the 14th Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum “Sailing into the High Seas”. Our Company was represented by our CEO Geoge Margaronis, our CFO Christos Triantafillidis and Christos Tsoukalas Family’s representative as well as a number of colleagues. College Link – Talent Days Our Company participated for the 1st time in College Link’s Talent Days on the 09th and 10th March in Zappeion Hall. HR team was available on both days to meet with Talent Days participants, answer questions about Latsco, opportunities, internships and trace candidates as well.
7 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 Our Company selected the MORSE web platform for “Electronic Log Books” for our fleet as developed by Prevention at Sea. As a Company, we always aim at ensuring optimal performance, safety, dependability and environmental preservation while operating our expanding fleet of vessels. We are thrilled to be working in the novel DYNAPORT project under the Horizon Program along with SINTEF Ocean, KONGSBERG, NAVTOR, SPACE NORWAY, HAMBURG University of technology and many other International Organizations. Our Participation is fully aligned with company’s commitment to innovation, energy optimization and decarbonization. Konstantina Manifava PMS and Performance Engineer participated in OSLO on the Project’s Kick off meeting on 07th -08th February. COMPANY NEWS BCA Shipping & Logistics Career Day Company’s HR Business Partner, Vana Tampone, participated on 20th March in the event and has the opportunity to meet students, talk about what we do and current career opportunities at Latsco. HELMEPA Visit to the US Coast Guard Company’s HSQE Manager Petros Vikos, represented our Company as one of the 20 companies of HELMEPA. It was a great opportunity for all those travelled o Washington DC to strengthen cooperation on pollution prevention, safety at sea and sustainable development in the era of decarbonization. At the end of January, the Company held our Annual “pita” cutting event in the Athens Office in the presence of our principles. During this event, apart of the wishes, one of Company’s vessels, Hellas Hercules, was awarded as the best performing vessel for 2023. A new initiative was introduced, the Long Service Awards for colleagues with more than 20 years’ service with Company. More specifically the below colleagues were awarded: ●● Capt. John Tzonis, Port Captain (37 years) ●● Nora Ioannidou, Administration Officer (35 years) ●● Capt. G. Mavrogenis, Marine Manager (34 years) ●● Lefteris Maroulakis, Technical Superintendent (30 years) ●● Nikos Stathakis, Fleet Manager (30 years) ●● Capt. Alexandros Arampatzoglou, Vetting Manager (27 years) ●● Kostas Drivas, Technical Manager (25 years) ●● Capt. Dimitris Kalantidis, Senior Maritime Management Advisor (25 years) ●● Andriana Stavropoulou, Spares and Supply Officer (25 years) Projects Loyalty Program For the 2nd year in a row, our company, in collaboration with the International Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, will be granting one full scholarship to cover the tuition fees on the full-time program MSc in International Shipping, Finance and Management offered by Athens University of Economics and Business AUEB) for the academic year 2024-2025. Latsco Scholarship
9 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 COMPANY NEWS Annual Off-Site MRM Conference This year’s off-site annual Conference and Management Review Meeting took place in Thessaloniki! The conference, as always, is a great opportunity for all shore employees in Athens, and some of our seafarers, to come together, celebrate last year’s achievements, gain insight from current challenges, set priorities for the coming year and most importantly enhance communication and have fun! As part of this year’s conference, we also had two great sessions focusing on “Diversity & Inclusion”: ●● Dimitris Papanikolaou joined us as our guest speaker and shared invaluable insights on self-development, self-discipline, teamwork and diversity based on his athletic as well as personal experience. ●● Lean in Network Greece, Areti Geogili and Niki Alexandrou helped us to dig deeper on diversity & inclusion and foster equality. Athens Half Marathon On the 10th March 14 of our colleagues, some along with their families, joined the “Cool Runners” of ELEPAP in the Athens Half Marathon (5-21 km races) raising awareness and sending a powerful message of solidarity, social contribution and inclusion. Race for Autism We participated on 3rd Race for Autism -a 5 km run for all- on March 31st at Vouliagmeni for raising awareness, promoting acceptance, and support people with neurodiversity in their equal participation in sports events in Greece. Blood Donation On the 6th March we organized in collaboration with Latsco Family Office, another voluntary blood donation in support of the blood bank we have at Laikon General Hospital. An increased number of our Colleagues donated blood this time and we would like to thank all of them. Social Responsibility and Accountability
10 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 Promotions & New hires We would like to introduce you our new team members who joined LMM in Q1/2024: New Hires (name & roles) ●● Anastasios Dardamanis, Performance & Data Engineer ●● Christiana Gkerazi, Crew Training Assistant ●● Christiana Zacharopoulou, Crew Assistant ●● Achilleas Papachrisostomou, Financial Reporting Analyst ●● Efi Poulea, Data Engineer New Promotions ●● Dimitris Mytilinis has been promoted to Senior Performance Engineer ●● Dimitris Zacharis has been promoted to Fleet DA Controller As a result, our current headcount for LMM is 121 employees, with 26 Managers, 63 Officers/Superintendents / Port Captains and 32 Assistants. Concerning our sea staff, 15 new crew members joined our vessels. Additionally, during this quarter, we succeeded to offer 12 promotions as per below: ●● Deck Cadet To 2nd/off or 3rd/Off (4) ●● 2nd /Eng to Ch/Eng (1) ●● 3rd /Off to 2nd /Off (2) ●● Engine Cadet to 3RD/Eng or 4th/Eng (4) 0 0.00 PSC DEFICIENCIES 1 0.00 ACCIDENTS CATEGORY A,B,C TOTAL RECORDABLE CASES 0 1.50 VETTING OBSERVATIONS 0 UNLAWFUL ACTS 0 PSC DETENTIONS Annual 2023 Safety Scorecard LTIF COMPLAINTS ENERGY MAJOR REJECTIONS 0 COMPANY NEWS
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12 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 ARTICLE Navigational awareness and crew competency are one of the most critical challenges the maritime community is facing in todays and future terms. Discussing the essential skills and qualifications required for crew members, including proficiency in navigation systems, chart reading, collision avoidance, and emergency response procedures sequentially consist the base line in recruiting and retaining competent crew with high navigational awareness. Addressing issues such as skill shortages, even with the low turnover rates, and the impact of advancing technology in crew training and development even on the existing navigation systems, and the digital tools that require crew members to continuously update their skills and adapt to evolving practices has become a “must” nowadays. Furthermore, exploring the role of training and development programs in enhancing navigational awareness among crew members whilst discussing innovative training methods, simulation technologies, and ongoing competency assessments to ensure crew readiness and effectiveness can offer engaging and interactive learning experiences for crew members and result in the gradual overall Safety Culture grow. Methods aiming to leverage technology and to deliver training content in dynamic and accessible formats, care to different learning styles and skills by adopting elements and methods, such as challenges, quizzes, training modules giving the assessment parts from different vendors can increase crew engagement and motivation to learn, thereby enhancing navigational awareness. Notably the tailor-made training programs can address individual skill gaps and ensure that crew members receive targeted training relevant to their responsibilities onboard. Tailor made training programs aim to enhance navigational awareness by focusing on areas of importance and providing the Officers and crew members with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. Advocating the collaborative efforts between our company and the training institutions, to effectively address navigational awareness challenges collectively and emphasizing on the importance of sharing best practices, promoting industry standards, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement will conclude on the desired improvement. Going forward on analyzing potential strategies and best practices for overcoming these challenges, it’s evident that despite advancements in technology and methodologies, serious accidents such as groundings and collisions appear with a steady continuity. This persistent occurrence can be attributed to several factors, however, distinguishing amongst those commonly identified on causing serious incidents: ●● Overreliance on technology ●● Poor communication ●● Complacency and normalization of risk Those are factors driven by humans resulting usually by shortcuts being taken, safety procedures being overlooked, or risks being normalized, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Company being amongst industry leaders, innovative approaches to crew evaluation and trainings on improving Navigational Awareness will be emphasized. Focus on a holistic approach to safety that encompasses technology, human factors, organizational culture, and risk management practices involve ongoing training and competency assessments, investment in technology and equipment, rigorous enforcement of safety regulations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability will work towards reducing the frequency and severity of accidents and ensuring the safety of vessels. Capt. Evangelos Trilivas Marine Superintendent A demand to improve navigational awareness
13 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 The Red Sea, a critical maritime route for global trade, has become a zone of conflict as Houthi rebels intensify their campaign against merchant shipping. A recent suspected missile attack by the group targeted a vessel, marking the latest in a series of assaults that have raised international alarm. The Houthis, embroiled in Yemen’s civil war, have expanded their arsenal to include drones and missiles, some allegedly supplied by Iran, capable of striking targets up to 800km away. This escalation has led to a discernible reduction in traffic through the Red Sea, with commercial vessels, particularly tankers, navigating the waters with heightened caution. The Houthi rebels have employed a variety of methods to attack merchant ships in the Red Sea. These include: ●● Ballistic Missiles: The Houthis have used ballistic missiles capable of striking targets at considerable distances, posing a significant threat to vessels in the Red Sea. ●● Drones: “Kamikaze” drones, which can be used to carry out precision strikes, have been a part of the Houthi arsenal. These drones are relatively inexpensive but can cause costly damage to their targets. ●● Direct Assaults: There have been instances where Houthi commandos have boarded commercial vessels, such as the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel, redirecting it toward Hodeidah port in Yemen. These methods have resulted in direct strikes on ships, causing deaths, sinking vessels, and major disruptions to global trade. The attacks have escalated since November 2023 and continue despite military responses from Western powers. The situation remains a complex challenge for international security efforts in the region. China, despite its significant interests in the region, has remained conspicuously inactive in the unfolding crisis. The international community, however, is not standing by idly. The United States has launched strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen and announced an international security initiative to protect commercial vessels. This response, while robust, has not deterred the Houthis, who continue to target shipping indiscriminately, claiming retaliation against Israeli interests. Looking ahead, the situation remains volatile. The Houthis show no signs of abating their attacks, and the international community’s efforts to secure the waters are yet to prove effective. The continued threat to shipping could have far-reaching implications for global trade, particularly if major shippers divert from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, potentially disrupting supply chains and inflating consumer prices. As the world watches, the next few months will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevail over disruption in one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes. The Company has decided to suspend the majority of vessel transits through the Red Sea and allow them only on a case-by-case basis, having first conducted a Risk Assessment process taking into consideration the most recent activity in the region and industry guidance. Masters/SSOs should follow the procedures as per FIM9 and the instructions for the area circulated through Security Letters and Alerts. Capt. Kostas Bourliaskos CSO Red Sea Roulette: High stakes for ships braving the Houthi-threatened waters ARTICLE
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15 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 The Tanker Market Tanker market earnings in the 1st quarter of 2024 remained at historically good levels, despite the decline in crude tanker rates. The disruption in the Red Sea provided great support to the tonmile demand boosting rates, as most of the vessels reroute via the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH). For crude tankers the 1st quarter of 2024 was slightly slower than in 2023, on all three sizes, with earnings declining on average by -24% y/y. Weighted average VLCC (Eco Scrubbers) earnings in Q1-24 stood at $55,750 / day, a drop by -13% y/y. Suezmax and Aframax rates have experienced an even greater decline by -32% y/y and -23% y/y respectively for the 1st quarter of 2024, but still, similarly to the VLCC, rates remain historically strong at $47,059 /day and $49,802 /day respectively. In terms of crude oil supply, uncertainty persist on the market outlook as OPEC+ extended its production cuts to stabilize oil prices at $80-$90 / bbl, and US reimposed its sanctions to Venezuela contributing to the supply dynamics. Overall, supply growth is expected to decelerate in 2024 to just +900 kb/d reaching 102.7 mb/d. Most of the increase is anticipated to come from the non-OPEC countries such as Market Update By Research Department the US along with Canada, Brazil and Guyana. Demand is projected to grow by 1.7 mb/d y/y in 2024, reaching 103.4 mb/d on average. This growth is fueled by the rise in bunker use, driven by increased vessel speed and rerouting around CoGH, as well as strong petrochemical activity. Anticipated strengthening of demand in the 2nd half of the year is primarily attributed to China, India and Middle Eastern countries. However, fac-
16 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 ARTICLE 3.9% y/y reaching 106.1 mb/d, most of the capacity additions will come East of Suez and WAF. West of Suez the refining outlook looks grim as many European refineries are announcing their closures to reduce CO2 emissions and many Russian refineries are under maintenance due to the Ukrainian drone attacks. tors such as economic slowdown, the growing adoption of EVs and enhanced efficiencies in vehicle, aircraft and vessel fleets are exerting pressure on oil consumption, thereby constraining demand growth. Global seaborne crude trade is anticipated to experience a moderate 2% y/y increase in 2024, reaching 41.4 mb/d. This growth is fueled by exports in the Atlantic region and heightened imports from Asia. In terms of tonnemile, seaborne crude trade is projected to see a 3.6% y/y rise, driven by the increased flows and rerouting through the CoGH. The limited fleet expansion in 2024 is expected to support crude tanker dwt demand growth up to 2.9% y/y, with just a mere 0.33% y/y increase in fleet capacity. Only 15 deliveries are anticipated by the end of the year. Product tankers, on the other hand, had a very good start this year, benefiting greatly by rerouting away from the Red Sea via the CoGH, achieving strong earnings. LR2 freight rates on Q1-24 grew by 44% y/y to $59,516 / day and LR1s by 33% to $45,437 /day. Also, MR earnings on both Atlantic and the Pacific basin edged higher in the 1st quarter, increasing by 9% y/y to $34,146 day and by 23% y/y to $42,157 /day respectively. Product tankers demand is likely to benefit this year from the positive market outlook and the limited supply coming from Europe. Refined capacity growth is expected to peak this year by Global seaborne product trade is forecasted to increase by a firm 2.7% y/y in 2024, reaching 23.8 mb/d, steered by the expansion in refinery capacity, particularly coming from East of Suez along with the overall global oil demand growth. Demand in terms of tonne-mile is projected to rise by 7.3% y/y, with support from the ongoing rerouting via the CoGH. The growth of the product tanker fleet is estimated to be slight this year, with a 1.3% y/y increase in dwt terms, attributed to low contracting from the previous years. Considering these factors, the demand for product tanker dwt is projected to increase greatly by 6.4% y/y in 2024. Regardless of the recent softening in the market due to some uncertainty about the short-term world economic outlook and the geopolitical tension, projections illustrate healthy growth in tanker demand for 2024.
17 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 ARTICLE rates on the Houston-Chiba route were accounted for $54,467/day, marking a 2% m/m increase. Comparing YTD rates for 2024 to those of 2023, VLGC freight rates for BLPG1 and BLPG3 have dropped by 30.3% and 20.6% respectively. By the end of Q1-24, the LPG fleet (excluding VLECs and SGCs) consisted of 670 vessels, with a total capacity of 41.2 million cubic meters. Up to that point in 2024, 14 vessels had been delivered, of which 9 were VLGCs. The scheduled deliveries for VLGCs between 2024 and 2028 amount to 86 vessels, with 12 expected to be delivered in 2024. This represents approximately 23.9% of the orderbook relative to the current VLGC fleet size. The average age of the VLGC fleet is reported to be 10.74 years old, with 58 vessels, or 15% of the active fleet, surpassing 20 years old, despite no demolitions occurring thus far in 2024. Global LPG trade is forecasted to increase by 2.8% to reach 143 mio mt in 2024 and by 5.7% to 775 BTM. This growth is propelled by the continued rise in US exports, which are expected to increase by 3.8% y/y to 62.5 mio mt, and by increasing demand on LPG imports from China, projected to grow by 5.9% to reach 32.9 mio mt due to ongoing PDH buildout. Additionally, MEG exports are anticipated to rise by 2.1% to 46.7 mio mt, particularly from Iran and Kuwait, due to rising production and enhanced shipping capacity between Iran and China, and refinery developments in Kuwait. In summary, the underlying conditions for 2024 seem well-balanced, albeit with the anticipation of earnings not reaching the high levels attained in 2023. The LPG Market At the beginning of 2024, VLGC spot rates experienced a significant drop due to high propane prices and the closure of the arbitrage from Japan (both via Panama and via Cape). However, freight rates started to rebound in the first days of February, and since then, they have been relatively stable. VLGC freight rates on the Ras Tanura-Chiba route averaged $41,787/ day in April, representing a 9.1% decrease from March. Conversely, spot
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19 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 INTERVIEW WITH SEAFARERS LIFE ONBOARD: DEALING WITH STRESS AND WORKLOAD It is frequently being reported that the nature of your Job is quite stressful with increased workload. Do you agree with this statement? Please explain why. Capt. Dejan Vasiljevic: Unfortunately, I have to agree with this statement. To explain it, it is not that easy and requires a look over the shoulder back in time when I started my career as seaman. Then, communication between the vessel and shore was limited and ISM almost did not exist. The Captain and the crew were able to use their time in many different ways. With the development of technology and virtually permanent connectivity, things have changed. Papers related to pre-arrival, ISM related documents are at peak levels with extensive daily email communication. But that is the nature of job, and we need to cope with it and in the meantime, hope that same development of technology will one day start to be working in our favor and that we will lean more and more towards paperless system and all in on software. Capt. Evripidis I. Sgouras: The above statement is true due to the fact that not only we have to withstand various challenging Ports, approaches etc. but we have to fulfill the required Company Policy requirements, various requests from Charterers, Agents and so forth. The nature of job is really stressful especially when the vessel has planned various activities that must be completed within a strict time frame. Furthermore, if we also calculate the lack of proper resting when the activities demand so and considering all the above, then we can surely attribute the stressful nature to the relevant job. Heray Leocar: I do agree with the statement. In my opinion, the factors that attribute to increasing workload creating stressful situations, are the number of inspections carried out onboard. Meaning that a preparation with strict deadlines is required for complying to regulatory updates and Company’s Policies and procedures. SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW In this issue, we have the pleasure to host the Master and C/E of Bellavista Explorer, Capt. Evripidis I. Sgouras (ES) and Heray Leocar (HL). In addition, we are glad to introduce Capt. Dejan Vasiljevic (DV) of Captain Paris, Capt. Dionysis Nikolaou (DN) of Hellas Marianna and Capt. Alexios Papastefanatos (AP) of Hellas Tatiana. All of the interviewers are well experienced and we are glad to share with us their knowledge and opinion on dealing with stressful situations and workload onboard.
20 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW receiving of stores and provision. When all these come all together at once, resting can be challenging, especially if the vessel is in tight schedule. Describe a typical day for you onboard. ES: A typical day onboard varies from when the vessel is at port or at sea. Usually, my routine is early wake up in the morning around 6 am when I take notice / plan of various planned works that have to be done. Within the day, communication with the Head Office, Charterers, Agents will be constant to ensure proper understanding and follow up of the vessel’s schedule, loading or discharging, or any other matter that will come to our attention. Also, I take all the necessary updates from my crew regarding the progress of relevant works that are occurring on board. During afternoon hours, I usually walk on deck to monitor the vessel’s safety and maintenance progress. DV: A typical day starts with coffee of course, followed by daily meetings with Officers and junior officers planning our daily activities. This enables us to work effectively, achieving better interdepartmental relationships and understanding. Mainly, as a Captain I’m involved in email communication and in helping to coordinate various activities with people on board and ashore, conducting required drills and training. Running a vessel is a complex activity and some days can be quite hectic and demanding but of course there are also days more relaxing helping myself and the others to recharge our “batteries” for future endeavors. Capt. Dionysis Nikolaou: Yes, it is. Being a seafarer is a quite demanding job. We are subject to host external pressures. From tight shipping schedules and the need for continuous operations, meaning that we often work many hours. Especially, during critical operations like navigating through busy channels, or during emergency, technical issues to be solved etc. Capt. Alexios Papastefanatos: The answer is yes, because the current situation in the shipping industry with all the requirements for every port differentiate in terms of request reporting documents. There are communication difficulties with the agent and authorities, variable time for berthing/unberthing, Inspections (SIRE, CDI, PSC, Flag, Class), Annual Test (LSA, FFE, GMDSS, etc.), bunkering operation,
21 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 HL: A typical day starts with daily monitoring of the vessel’s main and auxiliary system, conducting routine checks with the aim to ensure that everything functions properly. If any issue arises, it is taken into consideration for proper reporting and proceeding with troubleshooting of any machinery problem. Daily performing repair, preventive maintenance and reporting of all engineering work in log. I work closely with the rest of the crew to ensure safety in their routine job. I also spend time completing paperwork, updating maintenance and preparing for the next day operation before resting. DN: A typical day starts with fulfillment of management task, by planning and communicating with subordinate with the aim to accomplish all the listed tasks within the day. AP: When at sea on a long voyage, my day starts by checking my mailbox and after answering the emails, then I make rounds on deck to check the condition of the vessel and to discuss the plan maintenance with Chief Officer & Chief Engineer. When at sea before arrival at port, I answer inquiries from agent for vessel clearance, arrival questioners both from agent and terminal, and lastly the queries from charterer. Most of the time, I spend all my day until night -sometimes, even midnight- to respond to all these matters. Before departure, the things that make my day busy are answering all the queries for the next voyage, departure reports to the agent & authorities and checking of passage plan. Now you can imagine what happens, if the voyage is very short? What helps you to remain calm in stressful situations? DV: My role as Master does not permit me to burst or lose my temper but rather the opposite; it requires me to keep calm and focused. My knowledge and experience ultimately help me to handle any situation. Also, one of the important factors for me to remain composed and calm in stressful situation is Office support from all departments at any moment, which I want to emphasize. ES: Personally, the proper planning and organization really helps to maintain the balance while ensuring that nothing slips away in regard to communication, policy etc. Also, taking great consideration on the safety culture aspect of many things on board, such as vessel’s approach on various ports, proper communication, proper planning, meetings and so forth. HL: Stay positive, adapt to industry changes and technological advancements. To learn and practice for overcoming stress, positive atmosphere onboard. DN: It is important for me to distinguish what is urgent and what is not. Also, my knowledge and experience, recalling how I had reacted to similar cases helps me to deal with stressful conditions and remain calm. Most importantly, I have to engage and interact with other people onboard, establishing an open communication channel with my officers and crew to discuss all difficulties and concerns. AP: Being able to communicate with my family is my stress reliever, that’s why the free internet onboard is very much welcome development, not only for me, but for all the officer and crew. Music and movies are also good ways to divert your mind from a stressful situation. How do you interact with other crew onboard? How do you spend your free time? DV: I try to keep a good relationship with the crew, making sort of environSEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW
22 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 16 | Q1 2024 LMM VI S ION QUARTERLY EDITION ISSUE 16 – Q1 2024 ISSN: 2653-9519 A JOINT PUBLICATION OF LATSCO MARINE MANAGEMENT INC. & SAFETY4SEA © LATSCO MARINE MANAGEMENT INC. (LMM) © SAFETY4SEA LMM 4, Xenias Str, 14562, Kifisia www.latsco.com SAFETY4SEA 2, Afentouli Str, 18536, Piraeus info@safety4sea.com www.safety4sea.com DISCLAIMER / TERMS OF USE The content of this magazine is provided by LATSCO MARINE MANAGEMENT INC. (LMM) & SAFETY4SEA for information sharing and educational purposes only. While both LMM & SAFETY4SEA have taken due care and diligence to ensure that all the information and material provided herein is, to the best of their knowledge and understanding, true accurate and complete. Furthermore LMM & SAFETY4SEA make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Information. Any reliance placed on such Information is therefore strictly at the readers own risk and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage howsoever arising. The reproduction or distribution of any part of this publication in part or as a whole is NOT permitted without the prior written consent of LMM & SAFETY4SEA as all intellectual property rights are fully reserved by LMM & SAFETY4SEA for their own content respectively. Furthermore LMM has no liability whatsoever with regards to the material provided by SAFETY4SEA, while SAFETY4SEA has no liability whatsoever with regards to the material provided by LMM within this publication. This disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law. ment where they can freely communicate any of their daily issues or even have a nice relaxing talk. I believe that in such environment the crew becomes even more motivated to give their best effort in completing their daily duties. Finally working as a good team will ultimately create better results for the vessel as whole. I spend my free time in various ways: by having a relaxing walk on deck if the weather permits, sitting together with fellow officers watching a movie or having a nice talk or having a pleasant talk with my family. Sometimes I enjoy joining a karaoke party with the crew which helps me really loosen up. ES: In my opinion, respect is earned rather than you demand it, so the interaction with my crew onboard is based to the pre-mentioned value. Therefore, my approach is always in a friendly manner where I try to emphasize the importance of so many values such professionalism, attitude towards work ethic, planning of work, resting etc. I spend my free time usually reading books and practicing on the gym when its’ possible based on vessel’s schedule. HL: Respect and caring of personnel on-board is the beginning of a good relationship. When, I have free time, I prefer communication with families and relatives, then have some time with crew and lastly take some good rest and exercise. DN: Nowadays, the interaction onboard due to workload and social network with the individual staying with themselves privately, is not as it should be. For interacting with other crew, I try to arrange a short meeting not only for discussing job related things but also to discuss personal issues. Personally, I usually spend free time using gadgets, watching movies and having extra time to walk as well. AP: Visiting the crew during breaks to ask them if they are all ok or if they need something for them not to be shy to come to my office whenever they need any assistance that I can give them. Having monthly safety meeting and after the drill for debriefing are good ways to have an interaction with all officers and crew to have a good discussion while sharing of past experience. On my free time I usually talk to my family noting the time difference from where we are, browsing the internet, watching movies and listening to music, and if the weather is good, walking on deck to have an exercise and to smell the fresh ocean breeze. SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW
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