What are responsibility of chief officer as per SMS or safety management responsibility ?

• Familiarize himself with the procedures of safety management system and comply with same.
• Administration, supervision and delegation of duties to the operation level officers and support level ratings connected to the deck department.
• Maintenance and supervision of safe working practices during deck operations.
• Understanding of the Safety, Occupational Health & Environment Protection Policy of the Company and enforcement of same on board the vessel.
• Indenting and safe keeping of all deck stores, equipment and spares.
• Monitor the requirement of fresh water for the vessel.
• Testing and thorough examination of cargo gear and deck lifting appliances.
• Preparing of work specifications for repairs and dry docking and supervision of repairs.
• Preparation of holds/cargo tanks for loading cargo.
• Prepare cargo loading and unloading plan.
• Ensure safe ballasting/de ballasting operations
• Maintenance of all LSA and FFA.
• Maintenance of hull and deck equipments.
• Prepare vessel for classification and statutory surveys.
• Watch keeping duties at sea and at anchor. In-charge of cargo operations in port.
• Maintenance of hygiene, housekeeping and sanitation on board the vessel.
• Calculation and monitoring of stability, stress and trim of vessel during loading, de ballasting operation and on voyage.
• Ensure testing of controls for navigation and communication means before departure port.
• Ensure compliance of arrival and departure checks for cargo handling/equipments and other machineries as per the recommended procedures of the SMS.
• Safe stowage and Loading of cargo, safety and security of cargo on board.
• Sounding of all holds, bilges and tanks every morning and evening.
• Acting as Spill Coordinator under SOPEP, upkeep and maintenance of SOPEP equipment.
• Plan and prepare all cargo holds, deck cranes, hatch covers, pipe lines, valves and other cargo equipment for safe cargo operations.
• Complying with Master’s Standing and Night Orders.
• Compliance with applicable port, terminal and dock safety regulations.
• Compliance with the company’s documented safety and security procedures.
• Carry out emergency duties as per emergency response procedures.
• Carrying out the task of a Safety Officer for the Deck and Saloon Department.
• Preparing reports and returns as per Company’s procedure and maintenance of records.
• Appraisal of deck Officers and crew members.
• To comply with applicable rules of STCW Convention.
• To prepare handing over notes along with handing over report while signing off the vessel.
• Carry out risk assessment in compliance with SMS.
• To acquaint himself and prepare for the rank above.

Has the authority to identify and report non-conformities and near misses/hazardous occurrences and as per procedures defined within this Safety Management System.