Safety Management Systems (SMS)
A Risk Assessment Process to Measure your Best Practices
The flooding and subsequent capsize of the roll on/roll off passenger ferry Herald of Free Enterprise, on 6 March 1987, resulted in the loss of 193 lives. The formal investigation report revealed that “Clear instructions are the foundation of a safe system of operation”. The court stresses the need for:
- Clear and concise orders.
- Strict discipline.
- Attention at all times to all matters affecting the safety of the ship and those on board. There must be no “cutting of corners”.
- The maintenance of proper channels of communication between ship and shore for the receipt and dissemination of information.
- A clear and firm management and command structure.