Table of contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Once the manuscript for the first edition of Gard Guidance to Masters
had been sent to the printers in late 1999, the public was shocked by the sinking
of the MT ERIKA with its dramatic consequences for the maritime environment.
And even more severe accidents followed, sadly combined with tragic losses of
life. Thus, the need arose only four years after its publication to revise the
first edition.
As before, an editorial committee was formed, headed by Gunnar Topland, who
discretely but firmly steered this team through the rough waters of legislative
changes and technical improvements which had taken place in the maritime industry
since the previous edition was published. In addition, he was responsible for
organising and structuring the contributions and meetings alongside his day-to-day
responsibilities, as all members of the editorial committee continued carrying
out their day-to-day responsibilities within Gard.
Leif Erik Abrahamsen and Reidar Ebbesvik are to be thanked for their contribution
based on a wealth of Hull and Machinery claims handling expertise, as the 2nd
edition certainly takes into account the expanded role of Gard AS in insuring
and handling Hull and Machinery insurance matters.
Trygve Nøkleby provided invaluable advice on all aspects of loss prevention
based on experience gained in his position as manager of the loss prevention
department, the focal point for learning from the mishaps and serious incidents
which had occurred in the past.
Mark Russell, already part of the team of the first edition, took particular
care of the dry cargo section. In addition, Mark Russell provided valuable advice
for improving the structure of the Cargo Ships and Cargo Operations sections
and he also revised the Diversion – Deviation sections.
Jannike Rognøy Olsson and Gunnar Espeland expanded the liquid cargo section
in an admirably concise and pragmatic way, based on their experience as tank
ship officers.
Randi Gaughan cared for the precise grammar and terminology, an uphill struggle
as she had to avoid changing the contents and meaning of the guidance provided.
Further contributions were received from Geir Sandnes, head of the Dry Cargo
Claims Department, Bjarne Printz, head of the Personal Injury and Crew Claims
Department, and Trond Denstad in respect of the improvement of the stowaway
questionnaire.
Alf Martin Sandberg’s expertise as senior technical adviser helped to
streamline the Safe Working as well as Training and Drills sections, based on
his experience in investigating often tragic accidents.
Special thanks go to Dr. Phil Anderson, President of The Nautical Institute,
who worked in detail through the various drafts and who rendered very helpful
advice on the interrelation between the application of sound seamanship and
the stringent requirements of the ISM Code.
Finally, Gard’s chief executive officer, Claes Isacson, is to be thanked
for his continuing support of the decision to finally publish a second edition
of this Gard Guidance to Masters. His encouragement and support enabled all
of us to provide Masters and officers with a guidance, which aims to differ
from voluminous instruc tion books, the contents of which is often not fully
comprehended by all players in the maritime industry.
August 2006
Ronald Wöhrn, Lawyer, Master Mariner, FNI