020/16

Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
Talleys
Text
On 29 September 2016 the Commission recommended that the operator of the Captain M. J. Souza: review its internal auditing procedures to ensure that auditors make realistic assessments based on actual practices observed on board; and seek verification that documented procedures are being followed by the crew and they are appropriate for the task. Audit findings should be recorded together with any safety actions taken as a result of the audit.
Reply Text
Since August 2014 we have implemented a programme to improve the Health and Safety culture on this vessel. This started wit an internal review of our Health and Safety Systems (ashore and on board) governing the Capt M J Souza and following that review, we have taken several steps to improve Health and Safety outcomes which include:

1. Heightened oversight of the documented H & S procedures on the vessel at turnarounds by the vessel manager and operations manager including debriefing key staff on the vessel on H & S compliance and addressing any new hazards that may have been identified during the trip;

2. Implementation of a revised assurance process on the vessel and ashore to provide evidence to shore based management that Talley’s H&S protocols in fact being applied on board the vessel;

3. We have provided additional third party H & S training to the officers and crew of the vessel to ensure that they are aware of Talley's health and safety procedures, the hazards associated with their tasks and that they are operating safely;

4. Addressed and improved communication structures between senior management and senior vessel staff;

5. Setting out company expectations regarding H & S aboard the vessel and the consequences of departure from these expectations;

Further, when the vessel returns to NZ after its current Pacific Season in December 2016, we have identified an independent Health and Safety expert who will take a trip on the vessel to audit its compliance and to report to management on the H&S culture on the vessel, their compliance with the Talley's H&S programme and thereafter, if appropriate to put in place an effective change management programme.
Related Investigation(s)