The slides, written out
AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.
Slide 1 · STRONG SYSTEMS
STRONG SYSTEMS. SAFER SHIPS.
DPA, MASTER &
EFFECTIVE
RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
The roles, responsibilities and teamwork
that keep ships safe and operations effective.
STRONG ROLES.
STRONGER OPERATIONS.
Slide 2 · THE DPA
THE DPA:
THE LINK BETWEEN
SHIP & SHORE
DESIGNATED PERSON ASHORE
ISM Code Section 4
The DPA provides the link between the Company
and those on board and must have direct access
to the highest level of management.
01
LINK
Connects the Company
with those on board.
02
DIRECT ACCESS
Has direct access to the
highest level of management.
03
MONITOR
Monitors the safety and pollution
prevention aspects of each ship's
operation.
04
RESOURCES
Ensures adequate resources and
shore based support are applied
as required.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The DPA is not simply an administrative contact.
The role carries defined safety and pollution
prevention responsibilities.
Reference: ISM Code, Section 4
Slide 3 · 02/04
THE COMPANY'S
DUTY TO SUPPORT
ISM Code Section 3.3
The Company is responsible for ensuring that
adequate resources are shore based support
are provided to enable the
designated person or persons to carry out their functions.
WHAT THIS MEANS
ADEQUATE RESOURCES
Provide the resources necessary for effective
safety and pollution prevention management.
SHORE BASED SUPPORT
Ensure appropriate support is available
to the ship and DPA.
RISK CONTROLS
The ISM Code requires assessment of
identified risks and establishment of
appropriate safeguards.
REMEMBER
Resource management is part of
safety management.
The ISM Code requires the Company to provide
adequate resources and shore based support and
to establish safeguards against identified risks.
Reference: ISM Code, Sections 3.3 & 1.2.2.2
Slide 4 · THE MASTER
THE MASTER:
AUTHORITY +
RESPONSIBILITY
ISM CODE SECTIONS 5.1 & 5.2
THE MASTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
01 Implementing the Company's safety and environmental protection policy.
02 Motivating the crew to observe that policy.
03 Issuing appropriate orders and instructions clearly and simply.
04 Verifying that specified requirements are observed.
05 Reviewing the SMS and reporting deficiencies to shore based management.
OVERRIDING AUTHORITY
The SMS must clearly establish the Master's overriding authority and responsibility to make decisions concerning:
SAFETY
POLLUTION PREVENTION
The Master also has the authority to request the Company's assistance as necessary.
COMPANY SUPPORT
ISM Code Section 6.1
The Company must ensure the Master is:
Properly qualified for command
Fully conversant with the Company's SMS
Given the necessary support to perform duties safely
Reference: ISM Code, Sections 5.1, 5.2 & 6.1
Slide 5 · 04/04
EFFECTIVE
RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
Apply the right people, information, equipment and time
to achieve safe and efficient operations.
8 PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES
Based on IMO STCW Code – Leadership,
Teamwork, Resource Management &
Decision-Making Competencies.
01
LEADERSHIP & ASSERTIVENESS
Take charge while encouraging the team to
speak up and challenge when necessary.
02
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Communicate clearly and unambiguously.
Confirm understanding where appropriate.
03
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Maintain awareness of the current situation,
operational status and what may happen next.
04
TEAMWORK & COOPERATION
Share information and maintain a common
understanding across the team.
05
WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT
Prioritise tasks and manage workload to
reduce the effects of fatigue.
06
EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES
Use available personnel, information, equipment,
procedures and time effectively.
07
DECISION MAKING
Assess the situation and risks, consider options,
select a course of action and evaluate the outcome.
08
PERFORMANCE & REVIEW
Review outcomes after operations and
identify lessons for improvement.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Good resource management is the key to safe decisions,
strong teamwork and efficient ship operations.
Reference: IMO STCW Code
Leadership, Teamwork, Resource Management
& Decision-Making Competencies
Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
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