seatec - Finnish marine technology review 1/2005 | Page 47

Bureau Veritas Safety and Environmental Code for Ports ureau Veritas has launched a code of practice and cer tification scheme for the management of safety and environmental protection in por ts. The IPSEM Code (International Code for Safety and Environmental Protection Management in Por t) is intended to help managers improve por t safety and environmental protection, with additional benefits of improving staff motivation, reducing insurance premiums and improving the image of the port. B “This independently audited code and cer tification scheme is unique, and for the first time, it gives port operators a defined structure within which to manage safety and the environment, and proof that they are doing it correctly,” says Alain-Michel Chauvel, responsible for the project in the BV’s marine division. “We have combined our experience of shipping and property risk analysis and quality certification to develop a code which brings por t operators real benefits.” The IPSEM Code sets out a scheme for diagnosing the port or terminal’s weaknesses in safety and environment management, and can include consultancy support to rectify those weaknesses. Policy, management processes, infrastructure, equipment, communication and waste disposal are all covered. International standards