Ship Operations Cooperative Program Brochure

JOIN THE SOCP TEAM

Ship Operations Cooperative Program

 

A forum for sharing resources and the application of technology to improve:

SOCP WEB SITE:   http://www.socp.org

Why Join?
Membership in the SOCP . . . 

Provides the opportunity to conduct high priority ship operations improvement projects at a fraction of the cost of doing them independently.

Provides a vehicle by which U.S. shipping companies and other maritime organizations can work together to solve common problems relating to vessel operations.

Provides membership with a cost sharing, industry-wide, technology based program not economically feasible on an individual basis.

Allows new technologies to be explored using the combined resources of private industry and government working together.

Provides the strength of a united

consortium when making recommendations to state, federal, and international regulatory organizations.

Allows members to share in the results of onboard evaluations of new products.

Gives members opportunities to purchase shipboard products at discounted prices.

Current SOCP Projects

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROJECTS

Ram/Shipnet - The SOCP has developed a network of databases and an analysis methodology, called RAM/SHIPNET, to improve the total life cycle of ships in terms of cost effectiveness, reliability and overall quality and thus increase safety and profits. A video describing the RAM/SHIPNET program is available from the SOCP points of contact.

TRAINING PROJECTS

Distance Training for Shipboard Crews - Remote training, be it on a CD-ROM, computer based or Web based has the potential for reducing costs and providing more flexibility for the mariner. Various alternatives in terms of subjects and media are being investigated, with the focus on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) mandatory training.

Training Resources Database - The database, which is now being populated, provides viewers information on products and services that are commercially available in categories such as videos, courses, computer-based and web-based training.

Training Video Production - Training videos have been produced on STCW 95 topics as well as other areas of interest to the members. They are also available for purchase by the general public, and include the following titles: Personal Survival Techniques (2 parts), Enclosed Space Entry, Shipboard Accident Investigations, Bridge Resource Management, Engine Room Resource Management, ISM Code, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program and Vessel Lay-up Procedures. Additional videos are in the planning stage.

SHIP OPERATIONS PROJECTS

Streamlined Boiler Automation Inspections - A video and CD-ROM are being produced to describe a step-by-step procedure to enable a shipowner to obtain Coast Guard approval for using a streamlined (and less costly) procedure for performing inspections for boiler automation systems. The CD-ROM will also include training for the shipboard crew to perform the inspections.

Alternate Watchstanding Schemes - In an effort to reduce the fatigue risk factors inherent in the 4 on/8 off watch system, an alternative method has been tested aboard several vessels for deck officers, with outstanding results. The program is being expanded to other vessels and watchstanders.

OTHER PROJECTS

SOCP Website - SOCP’s website provides information on its mission, projects, member points of contact, its training course database, SOCP training products available for purchase, and links to other maritime sites.

Completed SOCP Projects

Who Can Join?

Any U.S.-based organization (including commercial, governmental, educational, labor unions, research, and classification societies or other invited organizations) that is involved in, or provides support for, the design, construction, operation, management, maintenance, or repair of vessels is eligible to join by contributing $5,000 annually.

SOCP Points of Contact:

Capt. Tom Johnson, CAMOT-Star Center,
Co-Chairman Tel: (954) 920-3222 x7251

Capt. Art Sulzer, Keystone Shipping Company,
Co-Chairman, Tel: (610) 617-6922

John Dumbleton, Maritime Administration
Tel: (202) 366-1928

Ram Nagendran, PRC Inc., Program Administrator
Tel: (703) 620-8158

Current Membership Includes:

AHL Shipping
ARCO Marine Inc.
Alaska Tanker Company
American Bureau of Shipping
Applied Research Laboratory - Penn State Univ.
BP Oil Shipping Company
Bureau Veritas
Calhoon MEBA Engineering School
California Maritime Academy
CAMOT - Star Center
Crowley Maritime Transport
Det Norske Veritas
Energy Transportation Group
Farrell Lines
Gulf Coast Region Maritime Technology
Center - University of New Orleans
Houston Marine Training Services
I.S.M. Solutions Inc.
Keystone Shipping
LMS Ship Management Inc.
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
MAR Inc.
Maritime Institute of Technology and
Graduate Studies
Maersk Line, Ltd.
Marine Transport Lines
Maritime Administration
Military Sealift Command
Mormac Marine Transport
National Maritime Union
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Nautical Institute, Northeast Coast USA Branch
Ocean Shipholdings Inc.
Registro Italiano Navale
Sabine Transportation Company
Sea-Land Service
SIU - Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
United States Coast Guard