Stop Work Authority (SWA)

How and Why to promote Stop Work Authority (SWA) onboard Vessels 

August 3, 2022

Stop Work Authority (SWA)

How and Why to promote Stop Work Authority (SWA) onboard Vessels 

August 3, 2022

Stop Work Authority (SWA), far from a new concept, is also a new requirement on the advance level of the new quality standard of RIGHTSHIP, the “DryBMS” in Subject Area no. 1 (Performance): “Commitment to HSSE“.

SWA recognizes the importance of encouraging any employee on board a vessel to express concern if they believe that an operation is being incorrectly undertaken or unsafe.

Two SWA cases published by IMCA can be found on below links:

Stop work authority enforced – unsafe conditions, no appropriate lifting gear available – IMCA (imca-int.com) 

Positive: STOP WORK by Master challenging Sailing Order – IMCA (imca-int.com) 

The DryBMS requires at the “advanced level” of Subject Area 1 , Companies to:

  1. Demonstrate stop work authority at all levels.
  1. Establish a program that empowers personnel to exercise the right to stop work.
  1. Review Incident reports to see if stop work authority was exercised.
  1. Evidence of Stop Work promotions (posters, safety talks, training) and personal recognition.
  1. HSSE statistics to include stop work interventions, toolbox talks, safety observations and/or near miss reports.

 

Margetis Maritime can assist shipping Companies to comply with DBMS requirements.

Should you wish to learn more about our DryBMS services contact us at piraeus@margetis.com or view our services at: www.margetis.com/consulting