APPENDIX A
THE COMPANY CODE OF CONDUCT
A. INTRODUCTION
Since seafaring is an occupation that requires seafarers to spend their working and leisure hours in the confined environment of the ship and in company with the same individuals, the need for appropriate discipline and behavior assumes a particular importance. The most effective form of discipline is self-discipline, which in turn springs from a responsible attitude to the job together with a concern for the efficient operation of the ship and for the comfort and convenience of colleagues.
Failures of self-discipline that occur will be dealt with in accordance with the following Code of Conduct containing the basic rules of reasonable behavior expected from all staff. However, disciplinary procedures should not be viewed primarily as a means of imposing sanctions. They are also designed to emphasise and encourage improvements in individual conduct.
In any emergency or other situation in which the safety of the ship or of any person on board is at stake, the Captain, Officers, Petty Officers and Supervisors are entitled to look for immediate unquestioning obedience of orders. There can be no exception to this rule. Failure to comply will be treated as among the most serious breaches of this Code and will be liable to lead to the offender’s immediate discharge from the ship. It may also warrant prosecution.
Emergencies are fortunately rare and this document is primarily concerned with the day-to-day situation on board. It should be borne in mind, however, that certain acts of misconduct (e.g. absence from place of duty or intoxication) could have a very serious effect on the safety of the vessel.
This Code of Conduct incorporates the UK Code of Conduct for the Merchant Navy.
B. OVERVIEW
1. The Disciplinary Rules and Procedure apply to all ship-based employees of the Company.
2. The Disciplinary Procedure covers cases where the employee's conduct is in breach of the Company's Disciplinary Rules (see section C below), including any breach of Company Rules, practices, policies and regulations. The Disciplinary Rules set out at section C below are indicative of the sort of matters which will constitute disciplinary offences. Matters which will be appropriate for disciplinary proceedings whilst in employment will reflect the nature and exigencies of the service.
3. It is necessary to have a procedure for dealing with breaches of discipline, which is supported by appropriate sanctions. These may range, according to the seriousness of the breach, from informal warnings for the most minor breaches, through various grades of formal warnings including reprimands, to discharge from the ship and ultimately, dismissal from employment.
