Ship Operating
Being in charge of a boat or a fleet of vessels is a vast responsibility. Ship operating is an important sector within the international maritime industry, and the process of managing a single vessel or a large fleet requires plenty of knowledge and skill. In this article, we will explore some of the aspects and complexities of ship operating that any professional mariner should be well aware of.
The term ‘ship operating’ is commonly used to describe the activity of controlling a vessel as it carries cargoes and performs other maritime tasks. The term covers a range of activities, from vessel maintenance and repair to organizing voyage accounting, personnel management and overseeing both cargo operations and vessel navigation. This is a sector with a wide range of duties and responsibilities, and to be a successful ship operator, one must possess a thorough understanding and experience of the maritime industry.
One of the main jobs of any ship operator is to ensure that their vessel or vessels meet the requirements of all relevant health, safety and environmental regulations which are applicable to their particular route and cargo. There are different rules and regulations applicable when sailing in different seas or territories, and it is the ship operator’s job to make sure that they comply. A qualified, experienced ship operator should also be able to keep their vessel and the crew up to date on all current industry requirements.
Another key aspect of ship operating is route planning. Developing and executing a sound route plan is an essential part of ensuring that a voyage is safe, efficient and profitable. When a ship operator establishes a route for a voyage, they must consider a number of factors, such as weather, port restrictions, local navigation regulations, as well as the condition of the vessel and its cargo. Additionally, the operator must also constantly assess the security of a voyage, determining the possible risks and adopting the necessary measures to mitigate them.
Lastly, ship operating involves making sure that the commercial side of the voyage meets the planned objectives and the financial expectations of the company. A ship operator should be highly organized and have a good understanding of their vessel’s costs, including fuel, port fees and crew wages. They should be able to select the best suppliers and provide monitoring and evaluation of the vessel’s performance to ensure that the voyage is as efficient as possible and all KPIs are met.
In conclusion, ship operating involves a huge range of tasks and operations, and requires someone with knowledge, experience and attention to detail. Doing a good job in this role is essential for the success of any vessel or fleet operating in the maritime industry.
