Vessel Ordinary Seaman Onboarding Checklist

Vessel Ordinary Seaman Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Vessel Ordinary Seaman 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 Vessel Ordinary Seaman, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Vessel Ordinary Seaman onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Vessel Ordinary Seaman Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The first task for a new Vessel Ordinary Seaman (OS) would be to attend an orientation session. This session would provide an overview of the company’s policies, procedures, safety protocols, and organizational structure. It would be conducted by the Human Resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Safety Training: As safety is of utmost importance in the maritime industry, the new OS would undergo safety training. This would include familiarization with emergency procedures, fire drills, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and general safety guidelines. The training would be conducted by the Safety Department or designated safety officers.

3. Familiarization with Vessel: The new OS would be introduced to the vessel they will be working on. This task involves a tour of the vessel, including the different departments, equipment, and facilities. The Chief Officer or designated crew member would perform this task.

4. Job Specific Training: The OS would receive job-specific training to understand their responsibilities and duties onboard. This would include learning about deck operations, cargo handling, mooring and unmooring procedures, and maintenance tasks. The Chief Mate or designated senior crew member would provide this training.

5. Documentation and Paperwork: The new OS would be required to complete various documentation and paperwork, such as employment contracts, medical examinations, and certifications. The Human Resources department or designated personnel would assist in completing these tasks.

6. Safety Certifications: The OS would need to obtain necessary safety certifications, such as Basic Safety Training (BST), Personal Survival Techniques (PST), and Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB). These certifications are typically obtained through approved training centers or institutions, and the OS would be responsible for completing the necessary courses.

7. Familiarization with Safety Equipment: The OS would receive training on the proper usage and maintenance of safety equipment, such as life jackets, life rafts, fire extinguishers, and emergency signaling devices. This training would be conducted by the Safety Department or designated safety officers.

8. Onboard Duties and Responsibilities: The OS would be briefed on their specific duties and responsibilities while onboard the vessel. This would include understanding watchkeeping schedules, deck maintenance tasks, cargo handling procedures, and assisting other crew members as required. The Chief Officer or designated senior crew member would provide this briefing.

9. Communication and Reporting: The OS would be trained on effective communication protocols and reporting procedures. This would include understanding the vessel’s communication systems, logbook entries, incident reporting, and following the chain of command. The Chief Officer or designated senior crew member would provide this training.

10. Teamwork and Collaboration: The new OS would be encouraged to participate in team-building activities and develop effective teamwork skills. This would involve understanding the importance of collaboration, respecting fellow crew members, and fostering a positive work environment. The Chief Officer or designated senior crew member would facilitate these activities.

11. Onboard Safety Drills: The OS would participate in regular safety drills, such as fire drills, abandon ship drills, and man overboard drills. These drills are essential to ensure the crew’s preparedness in emergency situations. The Safety Department or designated safety officers would conduct these drills.

12. Familiarization with Company Policies: The new OS would be provided with information about the company’s policies, including those related to safety, environmental protection, anti-harassment, and code of conduct. The Human Resources department or designated personnel would provide this information.

13. Cultural Sensitivity Training: As the maritime industry involves working with diverse crew members from different nationalities, the new OS would receive cultural sensitivity training. This training would focus on promoting understanding, respect, and effective communication among crew members from different backgrounds. The Human Resources department or designated personnel would provide this training.

14. Performance Evaluation: The new OS would undergo periodic performance evaluations to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. These evaluations would be conducted by the Chief Officer or designated senior crew member, and feedback would be provided to help the OS enhance their skills and knowledge.

15. Continuous Learning and Development: The new OS would be encouraged to engage in continuous learning and development opportunities, such as attending relevant training courses, workshops, and seminars. This would help them enhance their skills, stay updated with industry advancements, and progress in their career. The Human Resources department or designated personnel would provide information about such opportunities

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Vessel Ordinary Seaman checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Vessel Ordinary Seaman 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.