Question 1

Both ABs involved in the Laureline accident had scored 96–100% in their vehicle deck safety training assessment. Despite this, MAIB found the training was ineffective. Which of the following best identifies the critical flaw in the training programme?

Accepted Answer

The multiple-choice assessment contained no questions about the danger zone or an explicit instruction not to pass behind a connected trailer — so high exam scores did not reflect practical understanding MAIB found that none of the 25 exam questions referred to the danger zone or contained an explicit instruction not to pass behind a connected trailer. The result was that crew could achieve near-perfect scores while still misunderstanding the procedure's core safety message. Both ABs had passed the exam days before the accident, but CCTV footage showed they routinely entered the danger zone in ways the procedure prohibited. A training assessment that does not test the most safety-critical behaviour gives false assurance of competence.

Question 2

Under the ISM Code and as reinforced in Gard's guidance to Members, the Master's overriding authority to make decisions for the safety of the ship and protection of the environment can be overruled by a commercial instruction from the company, such as a charterer's order to sail on schedule.

Accepted Answer

False False. Gard's guidance to Members consistently stresses that the ISM Code (element 5) gives the Master overriding authority and responsibility for safety and pollution prevention decisions — and that companies must ensure this authority is not undermined by commercial pressure. A charterer's or owner's commercial instruction never overrides the Master's safety judgement; Masters who feel pressured are advised to record their decision and reasoning and report it to the company and, where relevant, to their P&I correspondent.

Question 3

A crew member identifies that a piece of safety equipment does not match what is listed on the safety equipment plan. What is the correct way to handle this under the SMS?

Accepted Answer

Raise it as a non-conformity/observation through the SMS reporting process so it is recorded, investigated, corrected, and — if it reflects a wider issue — used to improve procedures or the safety equipment plan itself The ISM Code requires a system for reporting non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences so they can be analysed and corrective/preventive action taken — quietly fixing an issue without recording it loses this opportunity for systemic improvement.