I'm already on my 5th month
on board and things are getting messy. For what I can see it’s the
same what happen for Konmax on my first six months on board. The
problem is now a cocktail of negative management, miss-communication and attitude. Still some crew members are maintaining good
relationship and seamanship but each one of us has its breaking
point. And one breaks, problem raises and adds up to the problem.
Major problems (Active Failures) always
have root causes (Latent Failures). Latent failures are causes of
negative actions (e.g. lapses, disregarding procedure (short-cuts),
sloppiness etc.) Failure in management is already a major active
failure and could cause more catastrophic effect leading to other
failure (Domino Effect). Ships crew are respected by its authority
and camaraderie. The Company's SMS (Safety Management System) is to
guide the crews action while on board. Unfortunately it is not
always followed. Being on board for months is no an easy life, and
it becomes hell when problems rises.
Ship Resource Management Problem –
Attitude
No matter how high is you rank,
bounded with authority or how intelligent you are. When it comes to
your attitude it determines your true personality. It is said the
formula of a quality personality is equal to is its Knowledge, Talent
and Skills overall divided by attitude. When your attitude become
zero, everything what you learned becomes nothing in work and
relationship. Attitude is a character how you face the situations.
How will the crew have high moral if
the master committed to smooth sailing but most of the times the
officer and crew are insulted.
“Anu ba yan bumabalik sa pagkabata!”
How the officer and crew would think &
react when one of the officers hates paper work, telling stories
comparing easy work on board without the paper works. To find out
that officer doesn't know about his work.
“Nakakatakot kang katrabaho, baka
kami ma disgrasya! ”
How the officer and crew would think &
react when one of the crew mates is about to finish its contract
still moves like a turtle.
“Nakakayamot”
How the officer and crew would think &
react when one of the crew has a habit not doing is responsibility.
“Anu nag reading ka ba?”
Ship Resource Management Problem –
Communication
“Shoie Kisen Spirit #2: Keep Close
Communication” - and silence means trouble.
How you going to face your fellow crew
mate have an attitude problem? Thats the breaking points of
communications. Unconfirmed rumors may lead to doubt and most of all
trouble. There are things must stay but truth will be uncover. It
also good to have back doors, diplomatic speakers and open channels.
But when its become of a habit of using, the main communication is
already broken. Main communication system must always establish.
It is also important to listen to other
people what they say. Open up and listen.
Ship Resource Management Problem –
Operation
“Shoi Kisen Spirit #3: Safe
operation, safety first!”
New and modern ships are being
designed, constructed and managed in the basis of Safety, Economy and
Protection for the Environment. It is true that new ships are easier
to handle, lighter work load. Very minor repairs are made on board
but people who disregards and neglect the importance of maintenance
made the ship looks old. Minor problems leads to major breakdown.
It also important in safe maintenance
are the correct procedure and safe practices on ship machineries.
Knowledge, skills and experience always come in handy in encountering
trouble. Take note that experience will not be always applicable to
other ships because may vary in ship design, layout and kind of
machinery. It is also important the basic theory are being practice
to easily to remember and will incorporate with experiences. Another
important thing is reading machinery manuals and understanding its
operation and maintenance procedure carefully.
Take your time working with safe
practices; always have a toolbox meeting no matter how small is the
machinery to be done for ease of work. Plan ahead, work clean and get
organized.
