Seafarer Onboarding Checklist

Seafarer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Seafarer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Maritime onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Seafarer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Seafarer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Seafarer Onboarding Checklist

1. Pre-employment medical examination: Before joining a new company as a seafarer, it is essential to undergo a pre-employment medical examination. This task is typically performed by a designated medical professional or clinic approved by the company. The examination ensures that the seafarer is physically fit to perform their duties at sea and does not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk to themselves or others.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: To ensure a smooth transition into the new company, seafarers should be provided with comprehensive information about the company’s policies and procedures. This includes familiarizing them with the company’s safety protocols, emergency response plans, and other relevant guidelines. Typically, the company’s human resources department or designated personnel are responsible for providing this information and answering any questions the seafarer may have.

3. Training on vessel-specific equipment and systems: Each vessel may have unique equipment and systems that seafarers need to be trained on. This task involves providing detailed training on the vessel’s navigation systems, communication equipment, safety devices, and other essential machinery. The vessel’s chief engineer or designated personnel are responsible for conducting this training and ensuring that seafarers are proficient in operating the equipment.

4. Safety and emergency drills: Safety is of utmost importance in the maritime industry, and seafarers must be well-prepared for any emergency situations that may arise at sea. Regular safety and emergency drills should be conducted to familiarize seafarers with evacuation procedures, fire-fighting techniques, lifeboat operations, and other critical safety protocols. The vessel’s captain or designated safety officer oversees these drills and ensures that seafarers are adequately trained and prepared.

5. Introduction to the vessel’s crew and hierarchy: Building effective teamwork and communication is crucial on board a vessel. Seafarers should be introduced to the vessel’s crew members, including officers, engineers, and other staff. This task helps seafarers understand the vessel’s hierarchy and their respective roles and responsibilities. The vessel’s captain or designated personnel are responsible for facilitating these introductions and promoting a positive work environment.

6. Familiarization with the vessel’s layout and facilities: Seafarers should be given a thorough tour of the vessel to familiarize themselves with its layout, facilities, and safety features. This includes showing them the location of emergency exits, muster stations, medical facilities, mess halls, and other essential areas. The vessel’s chief officer or designated personnel typically conduct this tour and provide necessary information about the vessel’s layout.

7. Training on company-specific procedures and protocols: In addition to general industry practices, each company may have its own specific procedures and protocols that seafarers need to follow. This task involves providing training on company-specific procedures related to cargo handling, maintenance, documentation, and other operational aspects. The vessel’s chief officer or designated personnel are responsible for conducting this training and ensuring compliance with company policies.

8. Introduction to the vessel’s safety management system: Seafarers should be introduced to the vessel’s safety management system (SMS), which outlines the company’s safety policies and procedures. This task involves providing training on how to report incidents, near misses, and hazards, as well as how to follow the vessel’s safety procedures outlined in the SMS. The vessel’s safety officer or designated personnel are responsible for conducting this training and ensuring seafarers understand and adhere to the SMS.

9. Familiarization with international regulations and conventions: The maritime industry operates under various international regulations and conventions, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. Seafarers should receive training on these regulations to ensure compliance and safe operations. This task is typically performed by the vessel’s captain or designated personnel, who provide relevant training materials and guidance on adhering to international standards.

10. Provision of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE): Seafarers must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety on board. This includes items such as safety helmets, life jackets, safety shoes, gloves, and protective clothing. The vessel’s chief officer or designated personnel are responsible for providing and ensuring the proper use of PPE by seafarers

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Seafarer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Seafarer up to speed and working well in your Maritime team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.