MV Centaurus Dream
There was a once a period in time, in the past many years ago that seafaring world is not bounded or restricted nor governed by many rules. It was a spectacular time for seafarers. No worries, we can go ashore whenever we like and see the world free.
It cannot be denied that the scenario of the past is something that we hope once in a while. That many of us can relate to this and wish that things should be back to the way is used to be. Well, those were the good old days and a thing of the past.
Fast forward to reality, the age of ISMs came and followed by ISPS then later the MLC and everything started anew. Now, there are too many regulations, policies and requirements to accomplish. On top of these, is the PSC Inspection that brings all of us in a real sense of dread and too much pressure. We are very much aware that PSC Inspection causes a lot of trouble especially if we have deficiencies and even worse -a detention. It is also a major headache for our managers since it raises a lot of concerns and finally, the rippling effects can harm our owners and their businesses. We don’t want it to happen and we have to protect our company. Protecting our company means protecting our own family. The question is, how and what can we do to maintain a good performance in the PSC Inspection?
Before we answer this question, in behalf of the CENTAURUS DREAM, we all like to express our gratitude to MMSM for choosing our good vessel to be featured in the prestigious MMSM Insight Issue no. 5 and we are very much honored for this opportunity. You have given us the privilege to showcase and share our strategies hoping that in our own simple ways we could reverberate and help in maintaining and achieving our goals of zero deficiencies.
Honestly, our own ways are no different from what other vessels are doing. It is a fact that MMSM management provides everything we need so that our aims and common goals will materialize. This message of ours will just serve as a friendly reminder. Guided by the acronym M.M.S.M., we just like to add some key factors that we believe will work.
1. Make an Impression:
We cannot predict the outcome of every PSC Inspection nor can guarantee of a zero deficiency every time that the PCS Inspector boards our ship, no matter how prepared we are. It sometimes depends on the PSC Inspector himself. But as Filipinos, we are trained professionals. We are known to be the most hospitable people on the planet. Being polite, respectable, presentable and hospitable can have a big impact on how we treat and deal with every PSC Inspector we come across. I believed that creating a good impression will leave a big impact and can guarantee a positive result.
2. Make your job on board as passionate as you can:
Let’s not just do our job on board as if we just need to fulfill it rather, do it with passion and with a big heart. PIC’s of the maintenance is always reminded to follow company policies religiously, be serious and responsible. Instill in their minds that the safety of our companion is in their hands and the company relies on them. Each one of us is expected to do exemplary performance individually and as a team. Let us not fail to remind them that our families depend on us and our safety means so much to them.
3. Seek Assistance, Share Ideas & Responsibilities, Work as a Team, Trust, Tutelage;
We all know the adage that goes “No man is an Island” and certainly “Rambo Style” or “to do it alone doesn’t work at all”. In order that our goals will materialize, we need each other. We have to help each other and teach each other and most importantly, we have to trust each other. If in doubt, our managers are always there for us 24/7 to lend their support and assistance. Bear in mind that they are vital part of our team. Conduct regular safety and committee meeting and discuss the shared information and circulars from our company to enhance crew’s safety awareness.
We always encourage everybody to participate during discussions because we believe that more heads are better than one. Their ideas are as good as ours and their contributions are equally essential as ours.
4. Maintain good physical fitness and stay safe & pray; 
We encourage all crew members to stay fit and healthy all the times, acquire enough sleep, maintain proper diet and have their regular exercise. We instruct our chief cook to refrain from preparing fatty foods and sweets. We always remind the team during our safety meeting to remember that the most important gift that they can give to their family is by being safe, sound &healthy. Above all, they should never forget that in everything they do, they must not forget to pray and give thanks to God Almighty.
The bottom line is that, if we have deficiencies during PSC inspection we consider it as a gain rather than a loss. It is an opportunity to learn. Same goes when there is no deficiency pointed out during PSC inspection, there is always a driving force behind it. That driving force is fuelled by our undying effort and courage so that our goal of zero deficiencies will be attained. Even if to reach that goal is not easy, we remain strong because we trust each other. Let us learn to apply this Filipino proverb which in English translates as “Anything that is heavy can be light if we put our resources together.”
Capt. Joel P. Torregosa
