Designated Person Ashore (DPA) & Outsourced Management Roles
The International Safety Management (ISM) Code requires every company to designate a person ashore with direct access to the highest level of management. A growing number of flag states now apply similar requirements to domestic vessels through their own Safety Management System (SMS) regulations. The Designated Person Ashore (DPA), or the equivalent role under domestic rules, monitors the safety and pollution-prevention aspects of each vessel's operation and makes sure adequate resources and shore-based support are applied. It is one of the most important roles in an SMS, and one of the hardest to fill well. International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidance (MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6) expects a DPA to bring relevant qualifications, training and experience, including in auditing and in the ISM Code itself. Mor Ocean provides that experience, for international and domestic operations alike, without the cost of a full-time senior hire.
What's included?
DPA on Retainer
An outsourced Designated Person Ashore (DPA) who monitors your Safety Management System (SMS), fleet reports and corrective actions on an ongoing basis.
Interim DPA Cover
Short-term Designated Person Ashore (DPA) cover during recruitment, leave or a change of management.
DPA Mentoring & Training
Coaching and support for a newly appointed or in-house Designated Person Ashore (DPA).
Management Review Support
Clear reporting to top management and preparation for internal and external audits.
Outsourced Company Security Officer (CSO)
An experienced CSO for your ships under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, subject to your flag administration's requirements.
Outsourced Quality Manager (ISO 9001)
An experienced quality manager who maintains your Quality Management System (QMS), runs internal audits and management reviews, and follows up nonconformities and corrective actions.
Outsourced Environmental Manager (ISO 14001)
Support for top management in keeping your Environmental Management System (EMS) conforming and reporting its performance, including internal audits and compliance tracking.
Why choose Mor Ocean for your DPA and outsourced management roles?
Our team includes Master Mariners who have served as DPAs, auditors and investigators, and who have seen Safety Management Systems from the operator's, the regulator's and the investigator's side. That perspective means we look beyond the paperwork. We follow up on non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences, check that corrective actions actually work, and give top management clear, honest reporting. Whether you need a DPA on retainer, short-term cover, or support for someone new to the role, we keep your SMS working between audits, not just during them. Beyond the DPA role, we can act as your Company Security Officer (CSO), Quality Manager or Environmental Manager, on retainer or as interim cover. Where you need more than one role, we align reporting across your safety, security, quality and environmental systems, so top management sees one clear picture.
Have Questions?
Straight answers to the questions we hear from our clients every day...
Yes, in most cases. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code requires a company to designate a Designated Person Ashore (DPA). The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requires it to designate a Company Security Officer (CSO). Neither code says that person must be an employee, so many operators use an external DPA or CSO, subject to their flag administration's requirements. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 don't require a named quality or environmental manager at all. An outsourced manager supports your top management, who stay accountable for the system. We can fill any of these roles on retainer, as interim cover, or as a mentor to your in-house team.
The Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is the direct link between your vessels and top management. They monitor how the Safety Management System (SMS) is working and make sure safety concerns get resources. Smaller operators often outsource the role. Mor Ocean's team has served as DPA and can take on the role on retainer, or train and support an in-house DPA.
Ready to strengthen your operation's safety and quality?
