Crew competence is not up to scratch
(June 3 2011)
Crew competence is failing to keep pace with the development in ship operations.
This is despite the advancement in technology and design, which is giving rise
to progressively sophisticated vessels with greater efficiency and
environmental-friendly features, said DNV.
Among the areas of improvement, effective bunker management as a basic
requirement for safe vessel operations is particularly lacking attention, said
DNV Petroleum Services (DNVPS) regional manager Bill Stamatopoulos.
"We see a major problem with young seafarers working on a big ship and not
knowing enough about fuel quality, bunkering procedures or proper fuel
handling. Very few of them have seen how contaminated bunkers can cause the
ship engine to break down suddenly and threaten the safety of everyone on
board, especially in rough weather conditions," he said.
Besides safety considerations, Stamatopoulos said shipboard personnel must
manage strict fuel regulations as well as the economic imperative of ensuring
the right quality and quantity of fuel is received, given today's high bunker
prices.
Current fuel regulations include MARPOL Annex VI, which involves the current
ECAs with more to come. From 1st Jan, 2012, the global sulphur cap will be
reduced to 3.5% and the North American ECA will also enter into force on 1st
Aug next year.
This move will probably raise demand for the more expensive low sulphur fuel
products, which in turn will add to the fuel expenses of companies trading in
the ECAs.
In addition to MARPOL Annex VI, the EU Directive 2005/33/EC requires ships in
the EU community ports and inland waterways to use fuel with a sulphur content
not exceeding 0.1%.
"It's vitally important for the ship crew to know how to get the most out of
their fuel safely and without contravening the applicable fuel regulations,"
said Stamatopoulos, adding that "training and competence development in bunker
management must start in school, not on the vessel."
Upon entering the industry, shipboard personnel should undergo regular
competence assessment and continual training to keep abreast of changes in the
operating environment.
"Most important of all, their employers the shipping companies must invest
in a strong safety culture," he said.
In another move, DNVPS has launched `Fuel Insight', an advanced data analytics
product for bunker fuel.
It provides real-time information on deliveries worldwide as an aid for
effective procurement and benchmarking.
`Fuel Insight' is a subscription-based web application that links up to DNVPS'
live bunker quality database claimed to be the most extensive in the shipping
industry.
It contains complex data on fuel prices, ISO 8217 quality parameters and
regulatory compliance into accurate insights for supplier evaluation and
purchase decision-making, helping vessel charterers, operators and owners
optimise costs and reduce risks.
========= fm tanker operator ==============
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