World’s shipping safety expert visits Lanka

Dr. Phil Anderson is one of the worlds leading authorities on the International Safety Management Code, better known as the ISM Code. The code is intended to improve the safe operation of ships and protect the marine environment and is mandatory for all, ship operating companies and ships in the world.

Dr. Anderson was Elected President of The Nautical Institute in 2004 for a two-year term of office and is presently the immediate past president of what is the largest international professional body for qualified mariners and those in charge of seagoing ships in the world.

He had the opportunity to meet with branch officials and local members during an official visit as the Nautical Institute President in 2005.

He is author and co-author of a number of well known books for the maritime industry including ‘Cracking the Code’ published by The Nautical Institute to improve the implementation of the ISM Code. His latest publication is ‘The Mariners Role in Collecting Evidence in light of ISM’.

Dr. Anderson is presently on a private vacation visit to Sri Lanka with his wife Valarie and he has graciously accepted a request by the Nautical Institute Sri Lanka Branch committee to take a short break from his vacation and present a paper on the ISM Code.

The Company of Master Mariners (CMM) has facilitated a presentation at the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) Auditorium Colombo today for him to address Master Mariners and others interested in the topic.

Dr. Anderson would intend to speak on some interesting new developments passing through the IMO at the moment that will result in clearer guidance being given to ship operating companies as to what is required of them when implementing the Code and also new requirements for qualifications and training of Designated Persons.

He intends to touch on a number of issues that are cause for real concern arising out of the casualty investigation work that he is involved in these days relating to the way the ISM Code is begin implemented.

The evening promises to bring new and interesting topics forward for discussion with an eminent expert on the subject.