Maritime Risk Services
At SSTG, we understand the critical importance of safety while operating your fishing fleet confidently, while minimizing potential risks and keeping the fishers safe.
Our seasoned Auditors leverage cutting-edge technology, industry expertise, and a proactive approach to deliver tailored risk management strategies that empower your fishing operations. Join the group of proactive owners and skippers that operate their vessels safely by using our structured Safety Management System, Audits and Certification process that has been trialled and tested to work for the fishing industry.
Safety Management System (SMS)
Our Safety Management System has been trialled and tested for the past 15 years. It is specifically designed for Fishing vessels and conforms to the only global fishing SMS guide that is available called the Fishing Safety Management Code (FSM).
Vessel Compliance Audits
Our fishing vessel compliance auditing service makes use of a more than 600-point best practices sampling system to produce a comprehensive report that is easy to read and interpret for executives, managers, skippers and crew.
Vessel Certification
Our certification process produces a certificate for the company and vessel, to prove compliance with and the implementation of the FSM. This helps owners to validate compliance for insurance and survey purposes as well as value-adding to your product label.
Our Maritime Risk Management Process
SSTG offers a Safety Management System (SMS) tailored for the fishing industry, aligning with the Fishing Safety Management Code (FSM). This system, meticulously developed, integrates various established guidelines and laws to ensure practicality and feasibility. The primary objective of the FSM Code is to guarantee vessel compliance with local regulations, nothing more. Our SMS is adaptable to suit the unique requirements of your company.
Participation in our auditing scheme grants companies access to the entire SMS. However, merely possessing an SMS does not equate to compliance. Hence, we provide support through an auditing process to facilitate implementation and upkeep, striving for optimal outcomes. Our auditors offer coaching, mentoring, and guidance to the Skipper and crew during onboard visits, addressing challenging inquiries. The audits yield an Executive report, along with assessments of low-medium-high priority areas and a detailed score sheet highlighting high-risk profiles.
SSTG has introduced a novel certification system, modelled after the International Safety Management Code (ISM), specifically tailored for fishing vessels following FSM provisions. Despite years of efforts by fishing companies to comply and prioritize fishers’ safety, recognition has often been lacking. Our certification process rectifies this situation. These certificates, issued by us, instil confidence in vessel owners and skippers, demonstrating adherence to FSM code provisions. They enhance credibility during Flag state inspections and facilitate favourable treatment from insurance companies. Furthermore, they serve as evidence of a structured system, particularly useful at chain stores and markets to showcase legislative compliance.
The difference between an audit and a certificate?
Let us give you an example.
During the audit, we may inquire: Have muster drills been conducted aboard the vessel? Typically, we examine logbooks for implementation, test equipment for verification, and engage crew members with questions to ensure the efficacy of the system. The checks conducted in a compliance or risk audit aim to confirm the implementation of the system.
For certification, the same inquiry takes a different form: Have provisions been made on the vessel to be prepared for any emergency? Here, we verify that you have established a Policy, displayed and regularly updated a muster list, and have schedules for muster drills. This check ensures compliance with relevant legislation.
Why we need a Flagstate to Survey the vessel?
It is a legal obligation for Flag states to conduct surveys on vessels registered under their authority. These surveys focus on assessing the condition and functionality of the vessel, among other components.
Our services do not replace this function; instead, we support and contribute to their overarching goal of enhancing vessel safety for fishers, promoting efficiency, and safeguarding the environment.
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to assist you in any way possible, utilizing our expertise in fishing safety to find the most suitable solutions for your needs.
We also assist with…
- Investigations
- Procedure writing
- Policy formation
- Risk analysis
- Onboard training and guidance
- Training of your new safety staff and DPA
- Management training for Skippers