Sick Boat Syndrome Case Study

The Skipper may come to a point during a sick boat syndrome investigation where it becomes evident that the requirement of professional investigation services is necessary. To seek professional assistance can become extremely confusing to the Skipper unless a few solid facts are remembered. There are no shortages of opinions with regards to the various factors that may be causing the sick boat syndrome’s effects on your crew. The multitude of opinions will be based on each individual’s experience, training, and limitations. In the end, the Skipper must remember that the only obtainable goal from an outside investigator is that person’s opinion. What is important to determine in advance of obtaining this opinion is what is the background …show more content…
The phrase ‘ garbage in always equals garbage out’ clearly reflects the potential result if special care is not taken in the seeking and the selection of the professional investigator’s services. This will also include the confidence that the professional investigator will insist on the use of professional sub-contracted laboratory analyses when it is required. There are a wide variety of laboratory service companies available of which many are not suited for the use of providing analyses on air samples, water samples or surface wipes. The Skipper must look for the laboratory’s quality assurance and quality control program. Many laboratories participate in national laboratory accreditation programs which are managed by an independent association. Also that any field instruments in use are properly calibrated to the manufacturer 's specification using traceable primary reference standards. Any certificates of calibrations or verification of these field instruments should be current and made available for review by the Skipper upon request. In the instances where the field instrument’s testing result recommendations will involve extensive or expensive modifications of a vessel’s systems, there should be multiple testing undertaken to demonstrate repeatable results prior to any decision