Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) induction research
OTSI recently engaged Taverner Research Group to conduct an industry survey as a safety initiative to support DCV owners, operators and crew to improve safety practices aboard their vessels.
Why was the research conducted?
In 2022, OTSI identified a potential safety risk relating to the induction process of casual crew on DCVs in NSW. It was observed that crew members were not consistently receiving effective induction training in accordance with legislation to safely operate DCVs. The safety concern was discussed with the regulator, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Transport for NSW (NSW Maritime), and the Port Authority of NSW.
Taverner Research Group completed the research in August 2023 and gave OTSI and key stakeholders (AMSA, TfNSW and Port Authority) a presentation on key findings in September 2023.
Although the sample size included just over 100 participants, the findings indicated that the issue was more prevalent in smaller operators. Challenges such as time pressure, lack of resources and staff availability were identified as potential barriers in ensuring crew were sufficiently inducted to safely operate DCVs.
The following key findings identify the importance of effective induction training for all crew members.
Key findings – Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV) Induction research
29% of the survey respondents rated the quality of the DCV safety induction training as 'Poor' or 'Very poor' with just over a quarter of the responses rating it as 'Excellent' or 'Very good'.
Nearly a quarter reported they mostly received theoretical induction training on proper use/handling of equipment and fire emergency procedures with minimal hands-on practice.
70% agreed that hands-on practice with demonstrations would be beneficial for trainees to learn emergency drills and procedures. Other improvement areas include longer training periods and ongoing instruction from experienced crew/masters.
More than half agreed that trainee competency should be formally assessed for certain skills.
Differences were observed between those working on smaller vessels compared to larger vessels, with only 56% of crew on smaller vessels ‘demonstrating competency in operating equipment’ compared to 86% of crew working on larger vessels.
58% reported that they received ‘formal safety induction – with practical elements’ before commencing work on the DCV they most recently crewed / mastered while 8% reported they received no induction or only a basic safety message.
We hope to encourage agencies and operators to use the findings to inform their upcoming education activities to improve safety outcomes around DCV crew induction and training.
Additionally, we hope to raise awareness among DCV owners, operators, masters, crew, and peak bodies of the importance of effective and practical induction training to improve the safety of their own operations.
Key recommendations
Casual crew members should be provided with more formal induction training, including practical elements such as hands-on practice and longer training periods.
Following induction training, ongoing instruction from experienced crew/masters would be beneficial for new and casual crew members.
Induction training should be tailored to the vessel and its individual operation, highlighting differences which affect safety such as different layout and capabilities/equipment.
Looking for additional information?
Induction training for new crew members is mandatory under the national law. The updated Marine Order 504 requires the DCV owners and operators to ensure their safety management systems include the following:
Induction training for new crew members
Life-saving equipment training
Provisions to undertake regular drills for their existing emergency procedures, including how often these drills need to take place, and how they will determine the competency and capability of crew participating in these drills.
Helpful resources and further information can be found on the AMSA website.
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