INTRO TO BASIC SAFETY AND SEAMANSHIP first ever international body devoted exclusively to maritime matters
the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Since its inception,
Shipping is perhaps the most international of all the world's
great industries - and one of the most dangerous.
What is the International Maritime Organization (IMO)?
Is an established United Nations agency that sets
standards and adopts regulations that apply to all vessels that operate
internationally.
is based in London and includes representatives from 171
major maritime nations including the United States. IMOs most
important objectives and accomplishments have been
IMOs objectives
to improve vessel safety
to prevent marine pollution.
History of the IMO Historically, maritime shipping has
been recognized as an international business governed by international
treaties and agreements. By the 1930s, the international maritime
community had already adopted a number of international agreements
on marine safety. Many leading maritime nations, however, believed
that there was a need for a more permanent body to develop and
oversee implementation of uniform rules and regulations governing the
shipping industry.
With these goals in mind, a conference held by the United
Nations in 1948 adopted a convention calling for establishment of the
the IMOs most important objectives have been safety and the
prevention of marine pollution. History of the IMO
The Maritime Safety Committee is IMO's senior technical
body on safety-related matters. The subcommittees of MSC include:
1.Safety of Navigation 2.Ship Design and Equipment 3.Standards of
Training and Watchkeeping 4.Fire Protection 5.Stability and Load
Lines 6.Communication and Search and Rescue 7.Flag State
Implementation. History of the IMO
The governing body of the London-based IMO is the
Assembly. The Assembly consists of all Member States and is
responsible for approving the work programs, voting the budget and
determining the IMO's financial arrangements. The Council, elected by
the Assembly and comprised of 32 Member Governments, is
responsible under the Assembly for supervising the work of the
organization including the appointment of the IMO Secretary General.
History of the IMO
The IMO has become a vibrant organization responsible for
the development of major shipping initiatives. Since its inception in
1948, the IMOs most important objectives have been improving
vessel safety and the prevention of marine pollution. It is recognized as
an efficient and successful international body responsible for the
development of treaties and conventions governing every aspect of
maritime operations. As a result, IMO meetings are attended by
maritime experts from around the world. History of the IMO
 What Does the IMO Do? The purposes of the Organization, as
summarized by Article 1(a) of the Convention, are: 1.to provide
machinery for cooperation among Governments in the field of
governmental regulation and practices relating to technical matters of
all kinds affecting shipping engaged in international trade; 2.to
encourage and facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable
standards in matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of
navigation and prevention and control of marine pollution from ships".
The Organization is also empowered to deal with administrative and
legal matters related to these purposes.
Through the participation of member nations, IMO has
developed an extensive international regulatory framework. To achieve
its objectives, the IMO promotes the adoption of conventions (or
"treaties") through a formal committee process. These committees
examine current maritime issues and make recommendations for
changes or improvements to Convention regulations. Generally, a
committee or subcommittee presents these recommendations to the
assembly for adoption. What Does the IMO Do?
Once a convention or amendment is adopted by the IMO,
each member nation is required to present the convention to its
member government for ratification. For example, the United States as
a signatory to the SOLAS Convention was required to seek treaty
ratification from the U.S. Congress. Countries that ratify a convention
must implement its requirements. This is significant because it requires
all vessels flagged in that country to comply with the established
international regulations. What Does the IMO Do?
What are the IMO requirements for vessels safety? The
SOLAS Convention addresses a wide range of measures to enhance
vessel safety including:
1. Standards For Ship Design And Construction
2. Stability
3. Fire Protection
4. Lifesaving
5. Communications
6. Navigation
7. Safety Management
8. Certification
Recent SOLAS amendments enacted in 1992 called for
comprehensive fire safety improvements on all passenger vessels.
These amendments, which apply to both new and existing passenger
vessels, are: 1.require vessels to upgrade fire protection and lifesaving
equipment 2.install low-level lighting, smoke detectors and automatic
sprinklers.
IMO - Purpose To promote cooperation of the regulation and
practice the highest standards of safety and navigation. The
prevention and control of the marine environment.
IMO - Function Develop treaties and other legislations
concerning safety an pollution prevention. Keep legislation up to date
and ratified by the majority of the member states. Ensure that
convention and treaties are properly implemented.
 BASIC SAFETY TRAINING (BST) Observant should notice all signs
Resourceful should make the best use of things at hand
4 - Elements of Basic Safety Training Gentle should not cause pain
1. Elementary First Aid Tactful should not alarm the victim
2. Personal Survival Technique (PST) Sympathetic should be comforting
3. Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR)
4. Basic Firefighting (BFF) TRANSMISSION OF DISEASES AND THE FIRST AIDER
This course has to be renewed every 5 years. Direct Contact- occurs when a person touches an infected
persons body fluid
Indirect Contact- occurs when person touches object that have
1. Elementary First Aid been contaminated by the blood or another body fluid of an
infected person
FIRST AID is an immediate care given to a person who has
Airborne Contact- through inhalation
been injured or suddenly taken ill until medical assistance is available.
Vector Transmission- occurs when animals transmit pathogen
OBJECTIVES into the body through a bite.

To alleviate pain, suffering

To prevent added further injury and danger DISEASE THAT CAUSE CONCERN
To prolong and save life
Herpes- viral infection that causes eruption of the skin and
ROLES
mucous membranes
It is the bridge that fills the gap between the victim and the Meningitis- is an inflammation of the brain or spinal cord
physician. caused by viral or bacterial infection.
It is not intended to compete with, nor take the place of the Tuberculosis- a respiratory disease caused by bacteria.
services of the physician. Hepatitis viral infection of the liver
It ends when the services of a physician begins. Elementary HIV- virus that destroy the bodys ability to fight infection.
First Aid

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD FIRST AIDER:

 Body Substance Isolation is an infection control concept and QUESTIONING THE VICTIM
practice that is designed to approach all body fluids as being
potentially infectious. Ask the SAMPLE History

Body Structure and Functions S- signs and symptoms

A- allergy
TERMS OF POSITION M- medication
P- past illnesses
Anatomical Position- patient stands erect with arms down at L- last oral/ meal intake
sides. E- event prior to incident
Supine- the patient is lying on his back
Prone- patient is lying face down on his stomach.
Lateral Recumbent Position- the patient is lying on his right RULES IN GIVING MEDICAL CARE
or left side; also known as recovery position
Obtain consent, when possible
Remember to identify yourself to the victim
THE ABC OF LIFE
Provide comfort and emotional support
Airway- open the airway by gently lifting the chin, which
Respect the victims modesty and physical privacy
moves the jaw forward and tilts the head backward.
Be as calm and direct as possible
Breathing- Look for the persons chest to rise and fall. Listen
Care for the most serious case first
for the sounds of inhaled or exhaled air.
Keep onlookers away from the injured victim
Circulation- feel for a pulse, by gently pressing two fingers
Handle the victim to a minimum
on the persons neck between the Adams apple.
Loosen all tight clothing

VITAL SIGNS Do not:

Let the victim see his own injury
Pulse Rate (60-90 beats/min) Respiratory Rate ( 12-20 Leave the victim alone except to get help
breaths/min) Body Temperature ( 36.5-37.5) Blood Pressure Assume that the victims obvious injuries are the only ones
( 90/60-140/90) Make unrealistic promises
Trust the judgment of a confused victim and require them to
make decision.
 Wounds and Bleeding Wound Emergency Action Principle (EAP)

Is a break in the continuity of a tissue in the body. 1. Survey the scene should observe the following: is the
scene safe?; What happened?; how many people are injured?; are there
bystanders who can help?; check the condition of the victim; and
CLASSIFICATION OF WOUND identify yourself as a trained first aider.
2. Do a primary survey of the victim a procedure of
1. Close Wound- involves underlying tissue without identifying immediate life threatening conditions of the victim. Take
break/damage in the skin or mucous membrane. the ABC steps.
Cause: blunt object result in contusion or bruises or application 3. Activate medical assistance/ transfer facility inform bridge
of external forces such as fall for medical assistance.
4. Do a secondary survey of the victim a procedure done to
FIRST AID MANAGEMENT FOR CLOSE WOUND identify other injuries of the victim to the other parts of the body.
1. Ice Application
2. Compression
3. Elevation 2. Personal Survival Technique (Pst)
4. Splinting SURVIVAL
2. Open Wound- a break in the skin or mucus membrane; or an action, ability or effort exerted by a person or a
the protective skin layer is damaged.
group of person in order to continue to live in the midst
of a disastrous situation.
a struggle for existence.
KINDS OF BLEEDING

Arterial- occurs when an artery is severed or opened SURVIVAL IN GENERAL

Venous- darker in color and flows steadily
Proper preparation and knowledge can give a person a strong
Capillary- expected in minor cuts, scratches and abrasion
psychological edge to overcome a survival situation. While no one
expects to be in such situation, one can anticipate certain conditions
that dramatically increase the possibility. The moment you board a
vessel, either as a passenger or a crew member, the odds of finding
your life in danger are increased.
It will not be a sound advice but strong psychological support
under survival conditions to remember the letters keyed to the words
SURVIVAL
The Psychology of Survival No one can ever be fully
prepared for a survival situation. You may be lucky or smart, but no
matter how lucky or skillful you might be, to find yourself suddenly
dislocated is a shock to the entire human system emotionally and
mentally, as well as physically. It is important to understand the
psychology of survival.

S Size up the Situation

U Undue Haste Makes Waste HAZARDS OF SURVIVAL
R Remember where you are
V Vanquish Fear and Panic 1. Health Hazards
2. Immersion Foot
I Improvise 3. Hypothermia
V Value Living 4. Seasickness
A Act Wisely and Properly 5. Constipation
L Learn Basic Skills 6. Frost BiteFrost Bite
7. Salt Water Burns or Boils
8. Sore Eyes
Seven Steps to Survival 9. Bad Weather
10. Sea Creatures (sharks)
In a survival situation, the decisions you make will be more
important than the equipment you carry. Priorities During Survival Crises
PROTECTION
1. RECOGNITION - Admit that your life is in danger, ACT!
DETECTION
2.INVENTORY - Decide what can help and hurt. DO FIRST
SUSTENANCE
AID!
MEDICAL TREATMENT
3. SHELTER - Preserve body heat with insulating materials.
GENERAL HEALTH
4. SIGNALS - Conveys message, attract attention.
TRAINING AND PREPARATION
5. WATER - Find a source of water.
6. FOOD - If you dont have water, dont eat!
7. PLAY - Keep a positive mental attitude.
 3. PERSONAL SAFETY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The general rules in these situations are:
(PSSR)
1.Know your duties in an emergency.
2.Be prepared. Emergencies can arise anytime.
VALUE OF TRAINING AND DRILLS 3.Knowledge and training give you the best chances to cope
with an emergency.
Training and drills are conducted on board to make sure that all
crew members constantly know their duties in an emergency. It is
during drills that defective equipment are detected, or those possibly Remember, it is not important not to expose yourself or others
not functioning according to its purpose are found. to dangers by your CARELESSNESS, CLUMSINESS OR
MEDIOCRITY, otherwise generally known as SLOPPINESS. THE
Drills are to be held at intervals of at least not more than one GENERAL RULES
month. Whenever, more than a quarter (25%) of the crew are changed
at port, a drill shall be held within 24 hours from living a port. On
passenger vessels, drills are conducted depending on the voyage of the
4. FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE FIGHTING
vessel.
AIMS:
Success of any drill depends on: The people involved, as
much as it does on the people in charge 1. Instructing all seafarers of the dangers of fire in ships.
2. Training seafarers, preferably before they take up
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
employment on a sea-going ship, in the prevention and extinguishing
Various types of accidents may occurs at sea. Some of the of fires.
most common causes are: 3. Training all seafarers in the theoretical and practical aspects
of fire fighting.
1. Carelessness
2. Deliberate disregard of safety rules and notices
3. Lack of knowledge (Ignorance) of the persons duties and
responsibilities
4. Lack of awareness of existing hazards of the profession
FIRE PREVENTION CAUSES OF FIRE ABOARD SHIP
THE GENERAL RULES
 A. CARELESS SMOKING
They usually occurs in instances such as:
1. Disposing of butts and matches
2. Smoking in bed
3. Smoking and alcohol
4. No smoking areas such as: cargo holds and weather
decks; engine and boiler rooms; stowage and work spaces.
Space for stowage is always at a premium aboard ship. There
should be a place for everything, and everything in its place. This is
itself a fire prevention measure, provided the stowage is safe to start
with. But fires have resulted when stowed materials came loose and
fell or slid across a deck in rough weather.
E. CARGO STOWAGE
F. GALLEY OPERATIONS

It is extremely important that the galley never be left

B. SPONTANEOUS IGNITION unattended when it is use:

An example of spontaneous ignition that could easily occur 1. Energy Sources

aboard a vessel might be a rag soaked with vegetable oil or paint that 2. Ranges
has been discarded in the corner of a work-shop storage area or engine 3. Deep Fryers
room. 4. Housekeeping

C. FAULTY ELECT. CIRCUITS & EQUIPMENT G. FUEL OIL TRANSFER AND SERVICE OPERATIONS

The following causes are: H. WELDING AND BURNING OPERATIONS

1. Improper replacement of parts & equipment I. SHORESIDE WORKERS, ABOARD FOR CARGO
2. Wiring and fuses MOVEMENT, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
3. Jury rigging
4. Exposed light bulbs J. SHIPYARD OPERATIONS CAUSES OF FIRE ABOARD
5. Vapor tight fixtures SHIP FIRE PREVENTION
6. Electric motors
7. Engine room
8. Charging storage batteries ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE FIRE PREVENTION
D. UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME
 1. TRAINING - includes formal and informal training. It 5. PERIODIC INSPECTIONS - The most important part of
should be focused primarily on the prevention of fires, a secondary the shipboard fire prevention program. Purpose is to find and eliminate
goal should be to teach the crew how to isolate and then extinguish fuels and ignition sources that could cause fires.
small fires.

2. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING - Cleanliness! - Elimination of 6. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR - Elements

sources of fuel for fires. - Elimination of fire breeding grounds. of preventive maintenance:

3. ELIMINATION AND CONTROL OF IGNITION 1. Lubricating and care

SOURCES Source of heat or ignition: 2. Testing and inspection
3. Repair or replacement
Smoking in restricted areas; discarding ashes, butts and 4. Record keeping
matches.
Overloading electrical circuits. 7. RECOGNITION OF EFFORT - Vessel owners and
Keeping flammable materials clear of steam pipes, light operators must demonstrate interest in the fire prevention program to
bulbs and other source of ignition. show concern so all crew will show the same interests.
Not cleaning cargo holds before any cargo is loaded and
others. Theory of Fire

4. SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES THE START OF A FIRE

Working in confined spaces
Performing hot work 1. Three states of matter solid, liquid and gas.
Working on oil pipes 2. Atoms or molecules of a vapor are not packed loosely
Working on machines and are not packed together at all which allows them
Working on propulsion engine and shaft to move freely.
3. In order for a substance to oxidize, its molecules must
Working on boilers, steam machinery and steam pipes
Working on refrigeration machinery be pretty well surrounded by oxygen molecules.
Working at heights ONLY VAPORS CAN BURN.
4. When a solid or liquid is heated with enough heat, some
Work completion
molecules break away and form vapor that mix with
oxygen; when there is enough heat to raise the vapor to
 its ignition temperature, and there is enough oxygen
present, the vapor will oxidize and will start to burn.
THE FIRE TRIANGLE
Three elements required for combustion:
1. Fuel solid fuels such as wood, paper and cloth
2. Oxygen - the oxygen content of the surrounding air
16% oxygen is needed to support flaming
combustion.
Smoldering combustion can take place with 3%
oxygen
3. Heat the third side of the fire triangle, sufficient heat, fuel
and oxygen completes the fire triangle, hence fire exists with the
3complete elements of fire.
Two important facts in preventing and extinguishing fires:
1. If any side of the fire triangle is missing, a fire cannot start
2. If any side of the fire triangle is removed, the fire will go
out.
CONDITIONS OF FIRE
The conditions required for fire to occur are:
1. A combustible substance
2. A sufficient amount of oxygen
3. A sufficient/high enough temperature
4. An unbroken chain reaction
CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION
The burning vapor produces heat which releases and ignites
more vapors. The additional vapor burns, producing more heat, which
release and ignites still more vapor. This produces more heat, vapor
and combustion. As long as there is plenty of fuel available, the fire
continues to grow, and more flame is produced.
MUSTER LIST/STATION BILL
It is a plan of action before an emergency situation would
arise.
Are notices required by the SOLAS Convention to be placed
on board ships.
It also contain information as to when alarm signals are used
and how they sound.
Its main purpose is to give instruction to each crew members
on what to do in case of an emergency.
GENERAL ALARM
7 short blasts + 1 long blast + P. A, (code call for
passenger vessel)
* On hearing the alarm:
1. all personnel must proceed immediately to their
designated muster station.
 2. perform respective duties and responsibilities. Electrical Power Failure
3. team leaders must muster and report readiness to the Main Engine Failure
bridge. Structural Failure at Sea
Structural Failure at Port
Terrorism
EMERGENCY

Any condition situation that endangers or threatens the loss of ABANDON SHIP
life injury to individual, loss and damage to ships property and as well 1. Order for abandoning
as damage to environment. 2. Inform as many particles as possible before abandoning the vessel
3. Take EPIRB onboard lifeboats
4. Lead the operation and attempt to avoid crew panic
5. Take care of injured personnel
Causes of Emergency 6. Consider weather conditions and weather forecast
7. Maintain communication with survivors
INTERNAL these are caused by man-made - due to 8. Transmit distress signals through radio station and EPIRBs. Be
Human Error prepared to use other emergency signals or equipment such as
EXTERNAL these are caused by natural walkie talkies, emergency radios and rockets, etc.
calamities/disasters - due to Force Majeure 9. Steer survival crafts at a safe distance from the vesse
10. Release distress message
11. If time allows, release message to the nearest station indicating
TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
abandonment.
Abandon ship
Collision FIRE ON BOARD
Emergency Training
Fire Flooding 1. Sound the alarm
Stranding 2. Activate fire plan
3. Remove casualties and consider safety of personnel
Helicopter Operations
4. Isolate compartment
Heavy Weather Damage 5. Use the right extinguishing media according to the type
Man Overboard of fire
Piracy/Armed Robberies 6. Control fire, reduce chain reaction and explosion risks.
Pollution 7. Consider toxicity risks for personnel
8. Transmit the initial emergency report
9. Consider possible expansion to adjacent flammable
compartments.
10. Prepare for the next action (abandoning), if the fire is
beyond control
11. Assess the damage and check remobilization of the
vessel.

FLOODING

1. Notify master and Navigation Bridge verbally.

2. Slowdown and stop engines.
3. Identify compartment flooded.
4. Take soundings of all compartments and monitor
tightness.
5. Check draft marks, trim and justify flooding rate.
6. Initiate pumping system to control and reduce flooding.
7. Evaluate stability and seaworthiness.
8. Take action to improve the stability and seaworthiness
of the vessel.
9. Evaluate pollution risks.
10. Prepare to deal with pollution prevention according to
relevant Contingency Plan.
11. Order salvage or rescue operations if situation is not
under control. Prepare for the next possible scenario.
12. Consider weather conditions and weather forecast.
13. Establish communication with managers and coastal
state transmitting initial emergency report if flooding is
beyond control.
14. Regain control of situation.
Intro to Basic Safety
and
Seamanship