Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Communication For Shipping Training Course

Introduction

In the unpredictable and often high-stakes maritime environment, robust Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Communication for Shipping is absolutely critical for safeguarding human lives, protecting assets, preserving reputation, and ensuring operational continuity. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip shipping executives, vessel masters, DPA/CSOs, shore-based operations personnel, maritime incident response teams, and public relations professionals with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for developing robust crisis response plans, effective communication strategies, and incident management. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of international emergency preparedness regulations, best practices for establishing effective incident command structures, rapid assessment techniques, and the critical role of transparent and timely communication during maritime emergencies and crises. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, industry standards (ISM Code, ISPS Code), and real-world case studies pertinent to navigating complex maritime incidents, empowering you to lead your organization through any unforeseen challenge with confidence and competence.

This maritime incident response course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond reactive measures towards a proactive, integrated approach to managing high-impact events at sea and ashore. Mastering shipboard emergency procedures, implementing effective crisis communication protocols, and understanding strategies for media handling during maritime incidents are indispensable for minimizing operational disruptions, mitigating financial losses, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining stakeholder trust. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic maritime emergency management and reputational crisis control, positioning your organization at the forefront of safety and resilience in the global shipping industry and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced preparedness and swift, professional response.

Target Audience

• Shipping Company Executives & Owners
• Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs) & Company Security Officers (CSOs)
• Vessel Masters & Chief Mates
• Shore-based Operations & Marine Superintendents
• Emergency Response Team Members (Shore & Shipboard)
• Public Relations & Communications Managers
• Maritime Legal & Insurance Professionals

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of emergency preparedness and crisis management in the shipping industry.
• Learn about international regulations and guidelines for maritime emergency response (e.g., ISM Code, SOLAS).
• Master the development of robust shipboard and shore-based emergency response plans.
• Develop proficiency in establishing and operating an effective Incident Command System (ICS).
• Explore best practices for effective crisis communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understand the critical role of media management and public relations during maritime incidents.
• Learn about robust strategies for managing various types of maritime emergencies (e.g., collisions, groundings, fires).
• Identify the critical aspects of human factors and stress management during crisis situations.
• Develop skills in conducting emergency drills, exercises, and post-incident reviews.
• Understand the legal, reputational, and financial implications of maritime incidents.
• Explore strategies for business continuity and recovery post-incident.
• Drive the implementation of a comprehensive emergency preparedness and crisis communication framework.
• Position yourself as a leader capable of professional and effective maritime incident management.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1. Foundations of Maritime Emergency & Crisis Management

• Defining emergency preparedness, crisis management, and incident response in shipping
• The unique challenges of managing emergencies in the maritime environment
• Consequences of ineffective crisis management: human, environmental, financial, reputational
• Overview of international regulations and industry standards (ISM Code, ISPS Code, SOLAS)
• The importance of proactive planning and a safety culture

Module 2. Regulatory Framework for Emergency Preparedness

• Requirements of the ISM Code for emergency preparedness and drills
• SOLAS Convention chapters related to emergency procedures and equipment
• MARPOL requirements for oil spill and pollution emergency plans
• ISPS Code for maritime security incidents
• Understanding the role of flag state, port state, and coastal state authorities

Module 3. Developing Emergency Response Plans (ERPs)

• Structure and content of comprehensive shipboard emergency plans (e.g., SOPEP, SMPEP, Shipboard Emergency Plan)
• Shore-based emergency response plans: roles, responsibilities, communication flows
• Creating scenario-specific emergency procedures (e.g., fire, collision, grounding, piracy)
• Integrating ERPs with broader company safety management systems
• Document control and continuous updating of plans

Module 4. Incident Command System (ICS) & Crisis Team Operations

• Principles of the Incident Command System (ICS) for structured response
• Establishing a shore-based Incident Management Team (IMT) and its functions
• Roles and responsibilities within the IMT (Incident Commander, Operations, Logistics, Planning, Communications)
• Effective coordination between shipboard and shore-based teams
• Decision-making under pressure in a crisis environment

Module 5. Crisis Communication Strategies

• Principles of effective crisis communication: transparency, timeliness, empathy, accuracy
• Identifying key stakeholders: crew, families, owners, regulators, media, public
• Developing pre-approved holding statements and key messages
• Establishing clear communication channels and protocols
• Internal and external communication during an emergency

Module 6. Media Management & Public Relations

• Understanding the role of media in a maritime crisis
• Developing a media response plan and spokesperson training
• Managing traditional media and social media during an incident
• Protecting corporate reputation and mitigating negative publicity
• Post-crisis communication and reputational recovery

Module 7. Managing Specific Maritime Emergencies

• Response procedures for collision, grounding, and flooding
• Firefighting and explosion prevention onboard
• Man overboard and search and rescue (SAR) coordination
• Piracy and armed robbery response protocols
• Managing medical emergencies and mass casualty incidents

Module 8. Human Factors & Stress Management in Crisis

• The psychological impact of emergencies on crew and shore personnel
• Stress recognition and coping mechanisms during high-pressure situations
• Importance of effective leadership and team cohesion in a crisis
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles applied to emergency response
• Post-incident psychological support and debriefing

Module 9. Emergency Drills, Exercises & Reviews

• Designing realistic emergency drills and exercises (tabletop, functional, full-scale)
• Conducting effective pre-drill briefings and post-drill debriefs
• Evaluating drill performance and identifying areas for improvement
• Documenting lessons learned from exercises and actual incidents
• Integrating lessons learned into revised plans and training

Module 10. Legal, Financial & Reputational Implications

• Understanding legal liabilities arising from maritime incidents (e.g., pollution, negligence)
• The role of maritime insurance (P&I, H&M) in crisis response
• Financial costs of incidents: salvage, clean-up, compensation, fines
• Protecting brand reputation and stakeholder trust
• Regulatory investigations and inquiries post-incident

Module 11. Business Continuity & Post-Incident Recovery

• Developing business continuity plans for shipping operations disruptions
• Strategies for rapid operational recovery and restoration of services
• Lessons learned from major maritime incidents for future resilience
• Long-term recovery planning and organizational adaptation
• The role of continuous improvement in enhancing resilience

Module 12. Technology in Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Utilization of digital tools for incident management and communication
• Satellite tracking, remote monitoring, and real-time data for situational awareness
• Simulation and virtual reality for emergency training
• AI and predictive analytics for risk assessment and early warning
• Communication platforms for crisis teams

Module 13. Future Trends in Maritime Emergency Management

• The impact of autonomous vessels on emergency response strategies
• Cyber security incidents as a growing maritime emergency
• Climate change impacts on environmental emergencies at sea
• Enhanced international cooperation for large-scale maritime incidents
• The evolving role of technology and data in future preparedness

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.