The company will confirm the receipt and start the root cause analysis (investigation) with the objective of improving safety and pollution prevention. Further corrective action(s) may then be initiated as deemed necessary. These steps include, but are not limited to:
Inform the Flag State (SOLAS I 11(c))
Inform the Classification Society (SOLAS I 11(c))
Inform the Port State (SOLAS I 11(c))
Issue a fleet circular
Order equipment
Improve the training program
Update the SMS
...
In any case, the Master will be informed about the result of the root cause analysis.
The Master shall then inform all relevant crew members about the result of the root cause analysis during a safety meeting as a measure to prevent recurrence.
All reports from the Master and all feedback from the company, class, flag state and/or port state must be filed in the designated folder on board and ashore.
Ref.: ISM Code 9 SOLAS I 11 (c)
Defects / Deficiency
A deficiency exist when there is something or someone below the company standard. This can be a broken pipe, an expired certificate or a missing or outdated nautical publication.
Incident
An incident is present if the ship has been damaged and/or personnel has been injured and do need medical assistance.
Hazardous Occurrences
A sequence of events and/or conditions that could have resulted in loss. This
loss was prevented only by a fortuitous break in the chain of events and/or conditions.
The potential loss could be human injury, environmental damage, or negative business impact (e.g., repair or replacement costs, scheduling delays, contract violations, loss of reputation).
Near Miss
An incident in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position damage or injury easily could have occurred.