MEOclassIIexamnotes

 A Code of Conduct in shipping is a formal set of ethical, professional, and behavioral standards that all seafarers and shore staff must follow to ensure safety, discipline, fairness, and compliance with international regulations . It is closely linked with requirements of: International Maritime Organization International Labour Organization International Safety Management Code Maritime Labour Convention Purpose of Code of Conduct Maintain professional behavior onboard Ensure safe ship operation Promote respect, equality, and discipline Prevent harassment, abuse, corruption, and misconduct Support company SMS and MLC compliance Key Elements of a Maritime Code of Conduct 1️⃣ Professional Behaviour Follow lawful orders of Master and officers Perform duties competently and honestly Respect hierarchy and chain of command 2️⃣ Safety & Environmental Responsibility Comply with SMS, permits, and procedures Use PPE correctly Re...

Maritime Cyber Security Awareness means understanding, preventing, and responding to cyber risks that can affect ship operations, safety, and business continuity . Cyber risk management in shipping is guided by the International Maritime Organization under MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 . Why Cyber Security Is Important in Shipping Modern ships rely on: Integrated bridge systems ECDIS & GPS Engine automation & PMS Satellite communications Cargo & ballast control systems 👉 A cyber incident can lead to: Loss of navigation control Machinery failure Collision or grounding Cargo loss Environmental pollution Common Maritime Cyber Threats Phishing emails (fake company or agent emails) Malware & ransomware USB infections Weak passwords Unsecured Wi-Fi networks GPS spoofing & AIS manipulation IMO Cyber Risk Management Requirements IMO requires cyber risk to be addressed within the ISM Code by: Identifying cyber risks ...

RightShip Inspection is a third-party commercial vetting inspection carried out by RightShip to assess a vessel’s safety, environmental performance, and operational standards. It is not a statutory inspection like PSC — it is mainly required by charterers and cargo owners . Purpose Reduce maritime risk Ensure high safety standards Prevent pollution Evaluate vessel suitability before charter Who Requires It? Major charterers (miners, oil majors, commodity traders) Cargo owners before fixing vessel 👉 Without good RightShip rating, ship may not get charter. What is Checked During Inspection? 📘 Documentation Class certificates ISM compliance Crew certification Maintenance records Incident history ⚙️ Physical Inspection Engine room condition Housekeeping standards Safety equipment Pollution prevention measures PMS implementation RightShip Risk Rating (RRR) Vessels are graded based on: Age Casualty history Flag p...

The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks clearly states: ✅ The Registered Shipowner is liable to pay for wreck removal. Key Points 1️⃣ Liability The registered owner of the ship at the time of the maritime casualty is responsible. Liability includes: Locating the wreck Marking the wreck Removing the wreck Preventing hazards to navigation and environment 2️⃣ Compulsory Insurance Ships of 300 GT and above must have: Wreck removal insurance Certificate carried onboard Insurance is usually provided by P&I Clubs . 3️⃣ Direct Action The affected State can claim directly from the insurer. Even if the shipowner cannot pay, the insurer is liable up to the limit. 4️⃣ Limitation of Liability Shipowner can limit liability under: Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC 1976, as amended) Under the Nairobi Convention 2007, the registered shipowner is strictly liable for wreck removal c...

 Under the International Safety Management Code , the Master plays a key role in monitoring and improving the Safety Management System (SMS). What is Master’s Review? Master’s Review is the periodic review and feedback report submitted by the Master to the company regarding the effectiveness of the SMS onboard. 👉 It is part of continuous improvement required under ISM Code. Legal Basis in ISM Code Relevant sections: ISM Code 5 – Master’s Responsibility & Authority ISM Code 12 – Company verification, review & evaluation The Code requires that: The Master reviews the SMS and reports deficiencies to the company. Purpose of Master’s Review Evaluate effectiveness of SMS onboard Identify deficiencies or practical difficulties Suggest improvements Ensure safety & pollution prevention standards are maintained Provide feedback to shore management What is Included in Master’s Review? Typically: Safety policy implementation status R...

 Under the International Safety Management Code , audits are conducted to verify that the Safety Management System (SMS) is effectively implemented and maintained. Internal Audit (Company Audit) ✅ What is it? An audit conducted by the company itself to verify that ship and office comply with the SMS. ✅ Who Conducts? Company’s designated auditor Independent of the area being audited Appointed by company management ✅ Frequency At least once every year As per company SMS procedures ✅ Purpose Check compliance with SMS Identify non-conformities Improve safety system before external audit Prepare ship for external audit ✅ What is Checked? SMS implementation onboard Records & documentation Drill performance Maintenance system (PMS) Risk assessments ✅ Outcome Internal audit report Corrective actions raised Follow-up verification 👉 Internal audit is a self-check system . External Audit ✅ What is it? Audit conduct...

  Decision-Making Tools in Shipping Decision-making tools in shipping are used by ship staff and management to select the safest, most economical, and compliant option for operations, maintenance, and management. 1️⃣ Risk Assessment / Risk Matrix Evaluates likelihood × severity Mandatory under the ISM Code issued by International Maritime Organization Used for: Hot work Enclosed space entry Critical machinery repairs 2️⃣ SWOT Analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Used by shipowners/operators for: Fleet expansion New fuel adoption (LNG, methanol) Route planning 3️⃣ Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA) Compares capital + operating cost vs savings Used for: Scrubber installation Energy-saving devices Automation upgrades 4️⃣ Decision Tree Analysis Visual comparison of multiple options with probabilities Used for: Repair vs replacement of machinery Defer repair or enter dry dock 5️⃣ Pareto Analys...