The Designated Person Ashore (DPA) plays a vital role in ensuring the effective implementation of a company’s safety management system and fostering a strong safety culture within the organization. As the key shore-based individual, the DPA is responsible for overseeing and monitoring all safety and pollution prevention activities associated with the operation of each ship.
Given the significance of this role, it is imperative that the DPA receives comprehensive orientation and training to perform their duties effectively. To meet the requirements of the ISM Code, shipping companies must provide clear documentary evidence confirming that the DPA has undergone adequate training to carry out these essential responsibilities.
Highlights:
The course aims to provide maritime professionals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs), focusing on the ISM Code, safety, audits, risk assessment, and marine accident investigations.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the key functions and responsibilities of Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs) as per the ISM Code and relevant IMO resolutions.
- Outline the main challenges that DPAs encounter in their role, including issues related to organizational structure, communication with management, and legal uncertainties.
- Describe the essential elements and requirements outlined in the ISM Code that ensure safety and environmental protection in maritime operations.
- Identify the essential skills and attributes that Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs) should possess to conduct audits effectively.
- Outline the key steps of the audit process, detailing the relevant actions required at each stage.
- Understand the steps of the risk assessment process and identify different methods for assessing and evaluating risks to determine potential hazards and their impacts.
- Identify the main steps in investigating marine accidents and understand the link between Root Cause Analysis and preventive measures.
Legislation & References: This course is based on the following references:
- ISM Code · https://www.imorules.com · MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.8 – Guidance Regarding Designated Person Ashore Roles and responsibilities · MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6 – Guidance on the Qualifications, Training and Experience of Designated Person
- The evolving role of the DPA – The challenges that lie ahead, Global Maritime Consultants Group
- Designated Person Ashore – How Do They Perceive Their Role in the Organization and to Which Extent Are They Legally Exposed in Case of an Accident? Journal Of Maritime Research, Vol XI. No. III (2014) pp 3–12
- ISO 45001 Clause 6.1.2 Hazard Identification and Assessment of Risks and Opportunities
- MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.7 Guidance on Near-Miss Reporting
- RightShip: An introduction to Root Cause Analysis
- Resolution A.1075(28) Guidelines to Assist Investigators
- IMO Res. MSC.255(84) The Code of the International Standards and Recommended Practices for a Safety Investigation into a Marine Casualty or Marine Incident (CIC)
Duration: 1 day.
Who should attend:
- The course is designed for a wide range of maritime professionals, including Designated Persons Ashore (DPA), Deputy DPAs, Quality Managers, Superintendents, and Ship Officers from the Deck and Engine departments.
