b'FIND CHAMPIONS Find individuals within theFind individuals within the company who will champion the system FOGHORN FOCUS and tout its merits. Real-life examples coming from respected employ- company who will championees about how the system has made their jobs easier and safer will go a long way towards achieving broad acceptance. Within the company,the system and tout its merits. consider established captains and shoreside personnel who are respect-ed for their experience and insights. Personalities matter and you need to tap into the talent of employees who can make connections and haveat once. In fact, it is generally better to take an incremental approach the respect of their peers. to help ease the process and build goodwill within the organization.Any management system will fail if not supported by the right peopleDevelop an implementation plan that is shared throughout your com-who can make a difference and positively influence behaviors.pany. Describe the order in which components of the SMS will be im-plemented and what purpose they will be serving. In our experience, SEEK FEEDBACK it is helpful to introduce an organizational chart and job descriptions No system is final once written. It is designed to evolve and continu- first. This will help employees better understand their responsibilities ously improve over time.and the chain of command. In conjunction, providing employees with the ability to provide feedback and recommendations is essential.Take time to periodically ask your employees for feedback and then earnestly work to show them results that demonstrate that you listenedAn incremental approach allows the organization to ensure each ele-to their input. Effective management systems are collaborative part- ment is successfully implemented before moving on to the next. This nerships between employees at every level within an organization. Itwill reduce pressure and confusion and will promote the shared effort involves frequent and productive exchanges that help lead to improve- to put the system into day-to-day practice.ment over time. Find ways to foster these types of opportunities within your company in order to make meaningful long-term growth. Its anybodys guess when the Coast Guard proposed rule will wind its way through the regulatory process. That said, I encourage every TAKE AN INCREMENTAL APPROACH passenger vessel operator to start planning for that day well in ad-Successful implementation of an SMS does not need to take place allvance. Voluntary early adoption of an SMS has zero downsides and will sharpen your organizations performance and skills in managing operational safety. Be mindful that any components of an SMS that you put into practice must be consistently supported throughout your company. If youre prepared to make that commitment, then by all means, get started.CMYCMMY About the Author CY HENRI LEVESQUECMY SENIOR ASSOCIATE CONSULTANTSAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, LLCKHenri holds a B.S. in Marine Engineering Technology from Maine Maritime Academy, an Assistant Engineer Unlimited Tonnage License, and has extended experience as a classification societysurveyorwiththeAmericanBureauofShipping. AspartofhisexperiencewithABS,Henrihasextensive experience with shipboard implementation of domestic and international regulations and completed assignments in New GLADDING-HEARN York, Houston, San Francisco, and Honolulu. Henri joined SHIPBUILDING Safety Management Systems, LLC (SMSLLC) in 2019. Duclos Corporation gladding-hearn.comFOGHORN 10'