QUALITY
CERTIFICATION
SAFETY
MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION
The development by IMO of the International Safety Management
code (ISM) for the safety of human life at sea and the protection of
Marine environment has led HRS to undertake services for certification
of companies and their ships according to the above mentioned code’s
requirements.
Every Ship Managing Company, as well its ships, are
subject to verification and control by the Flag Administration or by
Organizations authorised by it, for the proper functioning of the Safety
Management System and its conformity with the provisions of the ISM
Code.
HRS is fully recognized/authorized by 27 Flag Administrations
to certify against the ISM Code Managing Companies as well as their
ships, on their behalf.
HRS has
established a worldwide professional capability to assist shipowners
to ISM Code certification. Specially qualified personnel is ready to
provide all necessary information instruction or suggestions upon a
relevant request, with high quality standards and with the constant
main objective for safer ships and cleaner seas.
HRS has until now certified more than 300 ships and
100 companies against the ISM Code requirements. Less than 2% of these
ships have been detained after Port State Control inspection, a result
considered very satisfactory when compared with the average detention
ratio of Classification Societies and showing that our Society and shipping
companies co-operating with us are keeping on the right track.
The analysis of the audit results performed by HRS,
show that most of the problems with the implementation of the ISM Code
were traced on documentation, maintenance of the ship and equipment,
training and familiarization of shorebased and seaboard personnel and
emergency preparedness. To all the above it is worthwhile to mention
the doubts of shipping companies about ISM adding to tem a lot of paperwork
and operations cost.
The step-by-step change of mentality of shipowners from
an economical and technical to a human-focused point of view should
perhaps form a solution to the above problems. Classification Societies
can also contribute to a solution by helping shipping companies to improve
their self-regulation.
HRS'S
QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
Since May
1995 HRS has developed, implemented and maintains an internal quality
system in compliance with ISO 9001 standard as interpreted by the IACS
QSCS.
This quality system has been certified by the Hellenic
National Organization for standarization (ELOT) which is authorized
to grant also the certificate of the International Certification Network
(IQNET). The scope of the certification, refers to ship surveys and
classification, both for ships in service and new constructions, statutory
surveys on behalf of Administrations, technical studies, calculations
and appraisals.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION
Since 1996
HRS provides Certification services for Quality Systems according to
ISO 9001 series and since 1999 for Environmental Management Systems
according to ISO 14001 standard (Quality Systems Certification Dpt)
and since 2002 for Food Safety Management System.
Recently
(2000), HRS has been accredited by Hellenic National Accreditation Body
(ESYD) according to ISO 17021 standard for its Quality Systems Certification
Services and Food Safety Management System (HACCP). A relevant Catalogue
for valid ISO 9001 Certificates ,valid ISO
14001 Certificates, valid ISO 22000
Certificates 
is been kept updated.
The number
of the above certificates that have been issued has already got over
60 and refers to well known companies from different economic sectors,
both in Greece and abroad. HRS
has signed a protocol with the Hellenic National Organization for standardization
(ELOT), for wide cooperation in the field of quality systems
certification and the Food Safety Management System.
EVALUATION AND RECOGNITION OF SUPPLIERS OF SPECIALISED SERVICES
There are
several works carried out by specialized firms, which are related to
the issuance of classification or statutory certificates of ships or
to other services of HRS such as:
1. INSPECTION AND RECHARGING OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
2. HYDRAULIC
TESTING OF HIGH PRESSURE GAS CYLINDERS.
3. SURVEY/MAINTENANCE OF LIFE RAFTS AND TESTING OF HYDROSTATIC
RELEASE DEVICES.
4. MATERIAL TESTING (DESTRUCTIVE & NON DESTRUCTIVE
TESTS)
5. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MATERIALS
6. CARGO GEAR TESTING AND EXAMINATION
7. IN-WATER SURVEYS
8. RADIO
SURVEYS
Such firms
normally are selected by and make direct agreement with HRS clients
for offering their services and thus, can not be considered as HRS subcontractors.
Nevertheless as far as their work is related to the work of HRS, it
is of the utmost importance to be safeguarded that such works will meet
quality standards acceptable by HRS.
Due to the above subject firms are evaluated by HRS
and those meeting quality requirements are included in an list of approved
services suppliers which is used as reference by HRS surveyors as well
as of Owners/Managers of ships classed with HRS.
