4-1 Qualifications
A DPA is not necessarily a seafarer or former seafarer and therefore does not require STCW training. The best idea was to recommend a senior manager based on
actual responsibilities, with specific qualifications, such as knowledge of physical and technical disciplines, similar to a high-level certified officer. Or at least someone with a minimum of three years’ experience in a responsible position in ship management.
COMPANY CRISIS CELL
COMPANY SAFETY & SECURITY RESPONSE STRUCTURE
DPA/CSO
& additional persons able to help the Shipmaster in case of emergency as other senior shipmasters or specialised surveyors from class or private
MARAD//MCA/CROSS/PORTS Immigration/COAST GUARDS/CUSTOMS
LOCAL MARITIME SAFETY CENTER Class/P&l/Insurers
Families (Pax & CREW’S) MAIB (info)
PRESS/MEDIAS via company management PIC
SHIPMASTER
In many companies around the world, the DPAs currently employ the majority of Merchant Navy officers, who have generally chosen this position, often by default but sometimes with specific motivation!
NB: An often-overlooked point is the monitoring of the ship’s port operations, which are, of course, the responsibility of both the Master and the DPA.
4-2 Training
It is obvious that the DPA must have a perfect knowledge of SMS and, of course, be familiar with the mandatory rules and regulations that apply to the ships operated by the Company. Like any Master, they must be familiar with all the best practices regarding ships’ operations and the specific relevant port regulations. Indeed, this aspect of port regulations has seemingly been overlooked, even though it is a very important aspect of a Master’s duties around the world. Be confident, Masters in their follow up report generally focus primarily on the intricacies of loading and unloading, of passengers or cargo, in the ports concerned!
Then, performance criteria evaluation techniques, interviewing and reporting techniques, etc, can also be learned in special courses if necessary.
In partial conclusion, while effective communication is necessary to ensure necessary, reliable communication between the ship & crew and the highest levels of the Company, an important aspect has been somewhat overlooked. Namely, the DPA, being made aware of an emergency on board from the first minute, is often the first person to contact the media. Today, failing to take this aspect of emergency situations into account could be very detrimental to the Company. It would certainly be catastrophic in the event of a serious accident involving
Make observations regarding the ISM Code at the highest management level with a view to continuously improve the SMS. This requires a thorough understanding of the Code and its application.
• Determine whether “the SMS complies with the requirements of the Code” after a personal analysis, even if minimal training has been received during years of maritime officer schools or other training. This should not be too difficult with the help of an appropriate checklist.
• Determine “the effectiveness of the SMS” through the results of internal audits or various reviews. We strongly recommend establishing performance criteria that have the advantage of being understood by everyone. Indeed, the SMS concerns all Company personnel, even if the involvement varies depending on the hierarchical level (ref: Preamble to the Code, Section 5).
• Determine the extent to which the SMS takes into account other rules and regulations not covered by regulatory inspections. By definition, ships travel. Regional and local regulations are often not covered and, moreover, are rarely up to date. Frequent knowledge and communication between port partners must be initiated through onsite Company agents. This is an important task, carried out jointly with the Company’s commercial departments.
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 81
loss of life or a polluted environment (e.g. the COSTA CONCORDIA disaster in 2012)!
It would therefore be wise to provide a specific training to the DPA, along with directors, on responding to or managing the media in maritime emergencies.
4-3 Finally, a recommended experience should enable the DPA to:
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