Coming soon (likely)-- SMS for smaller passenger vessels

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nolatom

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It's way more than likely the Conception fire and lives lost is going to bring about new requirements for smaller vessels, known in the trade as a Safety Management System ("SMS"). And here it is:

Notice of proposed Rulemaking: Safety Management Systems for Domestic Passenger Vessels

The SMS requirement is not new to larger ships, it's been around since 1998. It's part of a Treaty Known as the International Safety Management Code:
_Content - Safety Management System
The typical Ship SMS manuals are many hundreds of pages in length, and a cadre of maritime consultants advertise their "system", for a fee of course.

It's very well-intended, and operators who take it seriously will benefit. But it is a LOT of paperwork to read, follow, and create. Biggest emphasis is on good communication and reporting to shoreside owners and managers and vice-versa, and risk management procedures and guidelines.

Is it sometimes "MEGO" ("My eyes glace over")? Sure. One would hope whatever the SMS requirements are for small passenger vessels won't be the many volumes it is for ships.

We've heard on this Board and throughout the small passenger vessel community since the California tragedy, that "more regulation is coming", and this proposed Rule is a big piece of regulation indeed. Let's hope it is constructive and not overwhelming for a small Company and its boat crews. Because it looks like it is definitely going to happen, after a Comment period in which the industry groups such as the Passenger Vessel Association will take part.
 

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