The concepts and prescribed safety practices were discussed and explained through a three-part game instead of a lecture, while still allowing for moments of reflection. Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) were brought in as subject matter experts and were encouraged to facilitate the program. Vessels were also encouraged to prepare prizes to make the activity more exciting.
This out-of the-box approach was welcomed by the vessels, and was appreciated for being interactive, entertaining and engaging, and at the same time, educational, straightforward and effective.
“Be careful with power, or this will be your last hour.”
A little bit of an obscure slogan, and a bit dark, yes. But a stark reminder of what can happen if we are ignorant of the things around us.
ETO Arnel Pagunsan facilitated the “Power up for safety” campaign conducted on board on October 15, 2021 while we were at CJK Anchorage. All crew members participated in the discussion and in the games, which got a bit intense as everyone became very competitive to win the prizes prepared by ETO. The crew were divided into four groups, and each team were asked to prepare a team buzzer before the start of the activity.
Throughout the activity, ETO Pagunsan explained in detail every answer from each of the questions. Chief Engineer Roy Laraya also shared some inputs. Though the games had been intense, everyone remained focused on learning. And that’s what the activity had been about: learning and sharing ideas, spreading awareness about important things that commonly go unnoticed but have the most impact especially on our safety.
This safety campaign taught the crew how important energy conservation is and how relevant this is to safety onboard. It also helped everyone identify hazards better, as it explained how to avoid such hazards. The discussions in between the games provided opportunity for the crew to be well-informed about electrical safety. As Captain Amando Salunday reiterated, it is better to be safe all the time – not just for our own good, but also for everybody to be able to get home safe to our families that need us:
Pay attention to little things that matter, power up for safety, save up for energy, and live longer for our family!
While the crew found the quiz questions challenging, they actively participated in the three-part game. Learning to identify risks of overloading connections and compatibility of equipment capacity with power supply were appreciated. The crew even came up with further suggestions on how to make sure that electrical devices are powered up safely.
Here are the crew’s main takeaways from the ‘Power up for safety’ campaign facilitated by ETO Bryan De Guia on board Bow Firda:
On October 16, 2021 at 1300H, ETO Ralu Togle welcomed the crew to the Power up for safety activity. The program opened with an introduction video summing up the campaign’s message: “If crewmembers are as proactive as the electrical systems onboard, fires from electrical devices will be avoided.”
The crew was then divided into three groups, and a brief introduction of the activities and game mechanics was carried out. Each group was given activity answer sheets for taking down notes and for them to list any best practices, questions that may come up, or suggestions for improvements. Snacks and prizes were prepared to make the activity more engaging.
The activity went well, and group members participated actively in the games as they learned at the same time. Group 3 was declared overall winner, followed by Group 2 at second place, and Group 1 at third place. Prizes were given and everyone was very happy.
A surprise closing message video from Global Head of Ship Management Torger Trige was played after the activity, as a way of saying thank you. All crew gathered for a final group photo, and Master concluded the activity with some parting and encouraging words:
“No one wants to do without electricity, but we should be aware of what appliances use the most energy and be mindful in using them. We have become far too used to just turning things on and forgetting about them. Electric power is a resource and shouldn’t be wasted. Everybody should realize that taking the time to unplug unused equipment and switching off unused lights could save us lots of dollars each month.”
Captain Mark Joseph Igcasenza, Master, Bow Gemini
On October 8, 2021, Odfjell’s “Power Up for Safety” campaign was launched onboard Bow Prosper which focused on fire hazards from electrical devices and was presented as a three-part game to encourage active participation and engagement among the crew. The campaign was held inside the vessel’s Cargo Control Room from 1300H-1600H local time while the vessel was underway from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Providence, USA.
The crew agreed that compared to past safety campaigns in the previous years, the “Power Up for Safety” campaign was the best so far. Because it was presented as a three-part game, it allowed the crew to be more immersed into the campaign instead of just listening to a lecture.
The crew enjoyed the workshop and more importantly, gained knowledge that they can also apply at home.
Bow Sky has completed the “Power up for safety” campaign on October 16, 2021. The crew members had a healthy discussion, and interaction among participants was commendable. One of the questions even prompted a discussion that led to sharing of facts and scenarios, concluded by a practical solution.
The information provided by the safety campaign indeed stimulated our awareness on how we can be proactive in mitigating the dangers and hazards of using electrical devices.
Indian Ocean – After having a major crew change and a hectic port operation, the officers and crew of Bow Trajectory, headed by Captain Miller Ilagan, found the opportune time to discuss the latest safety campaign entitled “Power up for safety – Handling fire hazards in electrical devices” one calm afternoon on our route to Singapore.
The safety campaign widened the knowledge and awareness of the crew members about the hazards of fire on electrical devices. The company provided a PowerPoint presentation containing various information and guidelines on how to protect devices and equipment from being damaged due to incorrect practices.
The presentation was fashioned in a way where the crew can enjoy, have fun, and learn at the same time. It broke the ordinary slideshow presentation by introducing new mechanics that transformed this learning tool into an active discussion.
Crew members were divided into three groups, namely: Team Toto, Team Ba, and Team Tiktik. Each had a chance to answer the quiz questions and gain corresponding points. The game was concluded, and each crew member gained a learning or two on electrical safety. The topic was easily understood, thanks to the competent instructors who substantiated and simplified the presentation.
Everyone was satisfied after the activity and became more mindful in handling their respective electrical devices to avoid fire not only on board but also when they are back to their respective homes. Some even realized that what they practiced as norm had lapses.
‘”I am grateful to be able to participate in this kind of activity. Since I am new to the company and still undergoing my training period, this boosted my knowledge about the working environment on board. Knowing that the instructor is also my immediate superior, ETO Raymond Ebardo who have shown his vast knowledge regarding the subject, I can say that my training will be in good hands. I am also happy that I belong in a company that does not only hire crew, but also genuinely cares for the safety and well-being of their people.’’
Electrician Trainee Lawrence Jed Bundac
Before closing the ‘awarding’ part of the program, Third Officer Haril Sean Gustilo emphasized the importance of safety campaigns to the crew and why the company is serious in implementing strict safety procedures:
“Being knowledgable about the topic of safety campaigns creates a big impact on our daily routine on board, contributes to a safe working environment for everyone, and strengthens our commitment to our goal of zero accidents. Remember, knowledge is power!”
The Bow Triumph crew found the safety campaign activity enjoyable, saying they learned basic yet important knowledge that increased their awareness on hazards from electrical devices. They also appreciated that the lessons may also be applied back home, helping them protect their properties and the lives of their loved ones.
Following the campaign, the Captain and the ETO conducted cabin inspections, and the vessel purchased energy-saving plug timers.
