Maritime Progress has for many years produced a range of posters designed to assist management in bringing safety and operational issues to the attention of marine personnel. Never before has there been such a diverse range of ships operated by the merchant fleets of the world and this has resulted in a flow of information and legislation with which management ashore and afloat are constantly asked to comply.

This month, Debbie Egan, Sales Director, is announcing the publication of two new ISM inspired safety posters concerning control of noise on board ship. She feels that their message about avoiding permanent hearing damage cannot be overstressed. “Control of Noise” (Product No. 1072W ) outlines the requirement contained within the IMO Code on Noise Levels On Board Ships and the UK Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2006. This poster summarises the requirements and emphasises the need to provide training and protection. The employer’s responsibility is also covered and the poster would also be useful ashore in a marine administration environment. The second poster is in the “Think Safety”, Range. (Product No. 1111w) and shows our well known character flouting the precautions against excessive noise levels.

Regarding the posters in general, success can generate some problems. Capt Andy Goldsmith, Marine Technical Manager, comments. “Operating within an international environment, many of the posters are available in the principal maritime languages and they are displayed worldwide. We take pride in this, but occasionally, this situation has led to copyright issues. Our posters are popular and imitation is flattering, but sometimes Maritime Progress has to go to considerable lengths to counter attempts to reproduce the posters illegally. This is piracy of a sort and we can’t overlook the months of preparation we put in before the posters can be released to the industry. I can understand why they do it, but we can’t let it happen.”

In addition to informing, posters demonstrate management’s awareness of safety and environmental issues and their concern to educate. Posters stress the advice and requirements of the responsible authorities and point to where more detailed information can be obtained. To produce these posters, much careful research is undertaken, and feedback from marine professionals is used to prepare, update or adjust the content. The work continues.