Creating a safety-first culture
Working in the dry bulk industry brings many hazardous encounters. Therefore, it is
vital that shipping companies foster a safety-first culture, ensuring they are doing
everything possible to reduce risks and meet compliance.
To support the approach throughout the dry bulk industry DBCE developed the Dry
Bulk Management Standard (DryBMS). By outlining practical, structured steps, this
important digital tool helps promote safety culture by building strong HSSE (Health,
Safety, Security, and Environmental) practices.
Leadership and Self-Assessment
DBCE believes that establishing an effective safety culture in any dry bulk business
starts with committed leadership. Adopting the self-assessment framework on which
the DryBMS operates allows companies to easily analyse audits, performance trends
and customer feedback. Following this process the leadership team can identify any
problematic areas or causes for concern. With measures for improvement and HSSE
goals embedded across the organisation, compliance with international and port
state control (PSC) standards can be better achieved.
Engaging the Workforce
Leave no crew member out of the process! Creating a robust HSSE culture should
actively involve both shore and onboard staff. Through vessel visits, clear
communication, and training, DBCE encourages a shared sense of responsibility.
Look at daily activities and actions across the organisation to find ways to engage
the team. For instance, training in mooring, dry bulk handling, and bridge procedures
enhances dry bulk ship safety, while crew familiarisation programs ensure safety
readiness for all crew members.
Prioritising Continuous Improvement and Critical Areas
To highlight continuous improvement across operations, DBCE has introduced the
Plan, Do, Check, Act model. In doing so, companies are encouraged to focus on
critical areas such as dry docking, equipment maintenance and incident reporting. By
carrying out Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and regular Safety Management System
(SMS) reviews the company can identify risks, keeping safety practices relevant and
effective.
Emphasising Environmental and Cybersecurity Standards
Further to caring about the safety of every crew member, DBCE also recognises the
importance of looking after our natural surroundings. By integrating green shipping practices, especially in ballast management, DBCE promotes sustainable operations
to protect the marine environment. Another channel of concern for DBCE lies in the
protection of data. Highlighting maritime cyber risk management helps strengthen an
operation’s security by safeguarding digital assets, aligning with overall safety and
security plans.
Comprehensive HSSE Systems for Safety
DBCE has a commitment to raising safety standards throughout the dry bulk
industry. These elevated standards help companies build a cohesive safety
management system (SMS), covering ship safety certification, routine audits, and dry
dock inspections. By adopting DBCE’s DryBMS framework, companies can cultivate
a resilient, safety-first culture that enhances compliance and operational excellence
in the maritime industry.
Find out more and subscribe to the Dry BMS framework here.
