b'A ctive PVA members are well aware of an expected U.S. Coastbecome easier to understand the real and potential challenges to im-Guard-initiative that may make safety management systemsplementing change by posing the right questions which may include:(SMS) mandatory for certain domestic passenger vessel op-erators. The Coast Guard published an Advance Notice of ProposedIs there a prevailing safety culture already in place at my company? Rulemaking on this subject in the Federal Register of Jan. 15, 2021. PVA has been consistent in its promotion of these systems, thoughWhat is our companys attitude towards safety?many members have expressed concerns about what it takes to devel-op an SMS and put it into practice. Our company has been assisting I n matters of safety and pollution prevention, does myvessel operators of all types in this area since 1996. Id like to shareopinion matter?some pointers from our experience in working with operators large and small while framing the discussion for operators of passenger vessels. Do we have a proactive safety culture or is it a more reactive one?UNDERSTAND THE OBJECTIVES Within any organization, you will find some individuals who are resistant An SMS is not intended to document everything that goes on withinto change, most likely if they are long-term employees in your company. your operations. While an SMS is supported by documentation, itsSome common objections to an SMS that may be anticipated include:really limited to these areas:Cost: There is an upfront cost and time associated with imple-Basic safety and environmental protection policy. menting an SMS. Employees may be resistant if the long-term benefit is unclear.Clear responsibilities and the chain of command for employees that have a role in supporting onboard safety and environmen- Need: Employees may not see the need for an SMS, especially if tal protection. they have operated without incident for an extended period. If it isnt broke, why fix it? they may suggest.Vessel operational checklists and procedures where theyre neces-sary to achieve safe passage for all based on the risks that you faceBurden: Employees may feel that the administrative responsibili-in your day-to-day operations. ty associated with an SMS has little benefit and is simply a paper-work exercise. Emergencydrillstandardsandemergencyresponsechecklists and procedures to address the most probable scenarios facing your operation. A binder of procedures andMaintenance routines geared towards ensuring the operationalpolicies collects dust unless its reliability of your fleet.given life by your companys I nternal review and audit programs to provide a self check and assurance that what youve put into place is suitable and effective. culture and consistently putinto practice. Regardless of an organizations size and type of operations, an SMS should address all of the above areas to function as a system. The model isnt complicated, but it can be challenging to get it right, and by get-ting it right, I mean appropriate for your organization and employeesIt is important to address these common employee objections early in as end users. the process. Involving employees in the process from the beginning is beneficial both to learn from their experience and to gain their sup-What are some of the key points you should consider to achieve this end? port. Your understanding and promotion of a culture that is receptive to change are essential to success. UNDERSTAND YOUR COMPANY CULTUREA binder of procedures and policies collects dust unless its given life byDESIGN FOR YOUR END-USERSyour companys culture and consistently put into practice. You need toA sure way to stunt SMS implementation is to create a system that is have an understanding of your company on a personal levelinclud- cumbersome and does not accurately reflect the employees daily work-ing its shared beliefs and individual concerns as voiced by employees.ing experience. Leadership and management should take time in the early phases ofRelated, beware that cookie-cutter systems may contribute to such a considering an SMS to gain the perspective of their employees fromsituation and are generally to be avoided. Always keep your end users in the deck plate to the highest levels both onboard and ashore. Valuablemind by incorporating their priorities and perspectives into the SMS.insights may be gained by asking simple questions to identify cultural attitudes and beliefs towards working within an SMS. SupplementNo two companies are exactly alike, and it is important to create a your questions with appropriate learning opportunities to help em- system that is not only user-friendly but accurately reflects the work ployees understand what an SMS is and why its important that thethat is being done by your employees. Soliciting feedback and input organization have one. Employee feedback should be considered whilefrom employees and incorporating those changes into the procedures, PHOTO: ISTOCK developing and improving your SMS with end users in mind. It willpolicies, and SMS tools will go a long way to getting it right.9 AUGUST 2022'