The eleven specialists, who work nomadically across the fleet of oil tankers, gas carriers, Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro vessels, met for a series of training classes, discussion forums, teambuilding exercises and objective setting meetings. 

Working onboard with crews, the vastly experienced group of former Masters and Chief Engineers ensure implementation of Behaviour Based Safety process, conduct HSE training, hold audits and inspections and assist with investigations as well as other related key duties. 

During the week, productive discussions were held with onshore colleagues and management.
 
Bob Hossack, former Fleet Group Manager and new addition to the FSS team, found the seminar very worthwhile.
 
He said: “For me it has been extremely informative to refresh my knowledge in some of the specialised areas of marine safety such as lifting equipment and fire-fighting.  

“There is such a vast amount of legislation and other rules and regulations to be adhered to nowadays, so these seminars and refresher courses are so important in enabling us to keep up to date. 

“It was important to me to connect with the team of Fleet Safety Specialists, many of whom I know well, and to gain a deeper insight into their work planning and skills.  

“They are a very committed group of people with a very simple mission – to reduce the harm or potential for harm facing our seafarers.  I hope that I too can make a significant contribution to this good work.”

Team building exercises included Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) at Clyde Training Solutions (a Northern Marine Group company) and a well-attended hike in the nearby Kilpatrick Hills. 

Ko Ko Naing, Head of Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality, added: “The objective of the seminar was to motivate Fleet Safety Specialists and members of HSEQ Team to promote Northern Marine Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality Policy within the Company and Fleet as a priority issue as well as effective utilisation of Fleet Safety Specialists (FSS) and inclusion in Companywide visible leadership and management visit plans.

“It is also provided the FSS team with the additional skills that they need to carry out their tasks and increase their success during ship visits for training, audit and inspection.”

Fleet Safety Specialists have been deployed by Northern Marine since 2002.

ENDS