Acknowledgement

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