DRUG AND ALCOHOL INCIDENTS ADVICE FOR CREW ENGINE ROOM FIRES OIL LEAKS OR SPILLS SAFE USE OF POWER TOOLS GUIDELINES LIVER HEALTH DISEASE PREVENTION CREW WATCHAUGUST 2023 CREW WATCH | AUGUST 2023 THIS EDITION OF CREW WATCH BEGINS WITH THE ISSUE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN SHIPPING AND THE PROACTIVE MEASURES THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED TO TACKLE IT. IT IS CRUCIAL FOR COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH CLEAR DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICIES, AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE CAN LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS, ABSENTEEISM AND DIMINISHED PRODUCTIVITY. SEAFARERS ARE ALSO REMINDED OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIVER WHILE AT SEA AND THE PREVENTIVE ACTIONS THAT CAN BE ADOPTED TO AVOID LIVER DISEASES. IT IS KEY THAT SHIP OWNERS AND MANAGERS PLAY A ROLE IN PROMOTING CREW FITNESS AND ENSURING THE NECESSARY VACCINATIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR SEAFARERS, THEREBY FOSTERING BETTER HEALTH ON BOARD. NEXT WE SHIFT OUR FOCUS TO THE CRITICAL HAZARD OF ENGINE ROOM FIRES. THE CLUB CONTINUES TO SEE INCIDENTS CAUSED BY OIL LEAKS AND SPILLS, EMPHASISING THE NEED FOR PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT BOTH VESSELS AND CREWS. OUR GUIDANCE OFFERS VALUABLE ADVICE ON PREVENTING ENGINE ROOM FIRES. WE ALSO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SAFE USE OF PORTABLE POWER OPERATED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT. SADLY, ADHERENCE TO SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR PORTABLE POWER TOOLS ON BOARD SHIPS IS OFTEN NEGLECTED, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURIES. TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND REDUCE INCIDENTS RESULTING FROM THE IMPROPER USE OF GRINDERS AND OTHER POWER TOOLS, THE CLUB HAS COMPILED A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS. Jessie Dunn Editor WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS ISSUE OF CREW WATCH. We are looking for ways to maintain and increase the usefulness, relevance and general interest of the articles. If you have any ideas or comments please send them to: britanniacommunications@tindallriley.com THE CLUB CONTINUES TO SEE INCIDENTS WHERE THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS HAS BEEN A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IS A PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS ALL INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING SHIPPING. HOWEVER, THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY CAN BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE WORK. THE LONG HOURS, ISOLATION AND HIGHSTRESS LEVELS EXPERIENCED BY MANY SEAFARERS ARE ALL FACTORS THAT CAN LEAD TO ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE. DRUG+ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS | 1 THE USE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL CAN IMPAIR A SEAFARER’S JUDGEMENT AND ABILITY TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY. IN SOME CASES IT CAN LEAD TO INCIDENTS, INJURIES AND EVEN FATALITIES. ALSO DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE CAN LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS, ABSENTEEISM AND REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY, ALL OF WHICH CAN HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE CREW AND THE VESSEL. While the misuse of legal drugs, or the use or possession of illicit or non-prescription drugs is prohibited, alcohol may still be consumed on some ships. The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) STCW 1 convention requires companies to implement a clearly written drug and alcohol policy. Given the obvious safety risk posed by alcohol consumption, many shipowners have implemented a strict no alcohol policy on board. However, it should also be recognised that for many seafarers relaxing over a beer or a glass wine is an essential part of their social environment on board. Therefore, there is a balance to be struck when a shipowner formulates its alcohol policy. Whilst banning alcohol may enhance safety, it may also comprise a seafarer’s wellbeing which can have other serious conse