Quarterly March 2012 - Odfjell

26
QHSE odfjell quarterly magazine
More robust counter-piracy measures on an increasing
number of ships trading in the area in combination with
improved naval tactics have reduced the piracy success
rate significantly
Odfjell, together with Norwegian Maritime
Directorate, has agreed to allocate a ship
to a pilot project for a new ‘international
Training on Board’ Campaign. The
Campaign is a nutrition and health project
where modern technology and social media
for sports, active training and change of
lifestyle will be used.
The initiative is an important step further
in the Odfjell Ship Management HSE programme
from 2005–2006 which encouraged
physical training on board.
Piracy:
- A concern and a daily struggle
By Toralf Sørenes
The pirate activity in the gulf of Aden
and indian Ocean continues to be a major
concern. Our activity in the area is high
and our ships are significantly exposed,
particularly when loaded. The constant
battle to protect ourselves against piracy
also generates a lot of extra work,
planning etc, both on board and ashore.
Risk reducing measures have been
implemented and improved since piracy
started to escalate back in 2008 but the
situation continues to put a lot of strain
on our seafarers and cause ourselves
concern as owners and managers.
As from March 2011 we strengthened our
counter piracy measures significantly by
requiring the regular use of privately contracted
security personnel not only through
the Gulf of Aden, but throughout the entire
high risk area. We are using three reputable
UK based companies for this service and in
January 2012 we carried out a due diligence
review/audit of the operational headquarters
of two of them. The use of external security
personnel on our ships follows a stringent
protocol with regards to risk assessment and
planning, and the procedures and agreements
we use are reviewed and approved
by Flag States and Marine Underwriters.
training on board campaign
- well fit sailors improve safety
By Marit-Beate Simonsen and Bjørn Åge Veivåg
individual training progress
Odfjell will encourage all on board to take part
in this campaign when it will be launched on
selected vessels during 2012. The main goal is
to increase the training activity for seafarers
by 20%, and the long term goal is to change
behaviour with regards to lifestyle. In order to
increase motivation, a DVD will be produced
with examples of training exercises and nutrition
advices. The DVD will be distributed to
all vessels.
www.odfjell.com
One approach in 2011
On the 14th July 2011 Bow Elm was
approached by a skiff with visible arms on
board while she was transiting Bab al Menab
in the Southern Red Sea. The ship was very
well prepared with a team of security personnel
on board and the skiff subsequently
aborted the approach.
Reduced piracy success rate
Although the pirate activity remains high,
there are also positive signs. More robust
counter-piracy measures on an increasing
number of ships trading in the area in
combination with improved naval tactics
have reduced the pirates success rate significantly,
and subsequently the cash flow that
supports and fuels this unlawful activity. At
its highest, the number of seafarers held in
captivity was 700 and the number of ships
held for ransom was over 20. In January 2012
these numbers are 100 and 5 respectively.
Furthermore, there were 31 piracy incidents
and 4 hijackings in the fourth quarter of 2011
compared to 90 incidents and 19 hijackings
in the same period in 2010. Therefore,
although we are aware that the root to the
piracy problem has not been solved, we at
least seeing a clear positive trend.
Training on board campaign
Technology to be installed on selected
ships:
Training website with:
• Online personal training diary
• Social media function
• Apps for iPhone/android
• Compete and get rewards
• Competition ship vs. ship