Dated 24.10.2008

Attached are herewith two IMO Circulars on the above subject matter. All stake holders issued with Document of Compliance under ISM Code by this Directorate are hereby informed to apply the guidelines as set out in the annex to the stated circulars with a view to ensuring safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and protection of the marine environment. The first circular i.e., MSC/Circ. 1015 dated 12^th June 2001 gives guidance on the promotion of a "no blame culture" within the organization to encourage reporting of near misses. The second circular i.e., MSC-MEPC.7/Circ. 7 dated 10^th October 2008 gives guidance on the issue of how to encourage reporting of near-misses and investigation by adopting a "just culture".

2.         A "just culture" features an atmosphere of responsible behaviour and trust whereby people are encouraged to provide essential safety-related information without fear of retribution.

3.         The company should provide training and information about its approach to "just culture" near-miss reporting and investigation for all persons involved.

4.         It is recommended that all companies, holding DOC from this Directorate, must incorporate the guidelines as set out in the Annex to the MSC-MEPC. 7/Circ. 7 into their Safety Management System on the implementation of near-miss reporting in accordance with the requirements of section 9 of the ISM Code with respect to hazardous occurrences.

5.         This circular is issued with the approval of the Chief Surveyor with the Government of India for the attention of all concerned for implementing, improving or auditing the effectiveness of its Safety Management System.

        Sd/-
(D.Mehrotra)
Dy. Chief Surveyor-cum Sr.DDG(Tech)

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