DNV has verified 300 training providers globally as part of a quality improvement project, and revealed that more than 50 per cent under-perform according to best practices regarding facilities, course content and instructor qualifications. “This demonstrates that lack of relevant qualifications represent a serious safety risk in shipping,” says CEO of DNV, Henrik O. Madsen.

The average ship operator has a potential of 70 per cent reduction in accident frequency.

“In the strive to further improve safety at sea, the main effort must now be directed towards the competence and skills of both crew and shore-based organisation. This is where the greatest room for improvement is to be found,” says Henrik O. Madsen. “International requirements for qualifications and training can only make shipping safer if all parties perform in line with the intentions. Our findings show that there is a gap between documented and actual qualifications, for instance when it comes to basic safety skills, and a need for much more focus on building a safety culture.”

DNV has also performed a survey among 4,000 seafarers based on a questionnaire maritimised from the aviation industry by the Danish Maritime Institute, University of Texas, Risø National Laboratory and DNV. The survey shows that:

• 50 per cent of the seafarers confirm that they break safety procedures frequently.
• The top 25 shipping companies have an accident frequency of only 15 per cent compared to the bottom 25 companies.
• The average ship operator has a potential of 70 per cent reduction in accident frequency measured against the best performers.

“The present trend of increased mobility of crew members and reduced contact between the shore-based organisation and the seafarers, makes it more demanding to build a genuine safety culture. The whole industry is engaged in a fight for talent, showing that experienced and competent crew is in strong demand,” says Henrik O. Madsen.

“A systematic approach to competence has proven to be an important step taken by some of the key international shipping companies. Through a close cooperation with industry representatives, DNV is defining competence requirements for specific positions, such as superintendents, electrical engineers and LNG cargo handling officers. When the relevant qualifications are defined, it becomes possible to measure if the crew members actually possess the required competence,” says Madsen.

Date: 2006-10-11