Danish Maritime Authority Puts Work Safety in Focus

The Danish Maritime Authority started surveying all Danish passenger ships in a new way from January 1, placing more emphasis on crews and everyday work safety. 

This means that a greater part of the crew is included in the survey because the ship surveyors discuss on-board safety with each individual crew member. Subsequently, the Danish Maritime Authority provides feedback that the company can use in its future work.

”Previously, we have focused on whether the ship’s equipment and papers were in order. Of course, we must keep this focus, but the new practice means that we will involve a wider segment of the crew and get a possibility of discussing on-board safety with each individual crew member. In this way, we can help nudge behaviour towards a safety culture and ensure that the required competences are available on board the ship,” said Chief Ship Surveyor from the Danish Maritime Authority Lars G. Nielsen.

At the same time, the new passenger ship survey means that renewal surveys, MLC surveys, ISM audits and, in some cases, ISPS surveys are combined into one survey. Before the survey, the company will receive an informative letter from the Danish Maritime Authority.

The types of ships covered by the new survey method are passenger ships, passenger ships on voyages in port areas or lakes, viking ships carrying more than 12 passengers, ships for special purposes carrying more than 12 passengers.

The technical part of the survey is unchanged.