Bitter Voyage

I'm already on my 5^th 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.