ABSTRACT
In this chapter it is argued that even simplified regulations may produce many challenges to a ship operator. This chapter describes an extended approach involving a system of hierarchical scorecards (SHS) in order to measure the implementation costs and benefits of a newly introduced or existing maritime regulation. The regulators may use the results in evaluating newly introduced and/or existing regulations by taking into account the economic burden that will be generated to ship operators. This approach is in line with many governments that follow the RIA guidance for improving their regulations, and so it avoids unnecessary and overlapping regulations.
In this chapter findings from Karahalios and Karahalios et al. are presented and discussed regarding the ability of a ship operator to implement a maritime regulation. The SOLAS regulation discussed is Damage Control Information; although simple in structure it appears to create some difficulty for ship operators. A poor performance in implementing it could be affected by the need of the company to spend time adopting new procedures, while new costs are also added to the operation of the ships. As happens with every innovative change, errors could occur in the implementation process until the personnel on board and ashore become familiar with the regulation. The case of a ship’s collision is discussed with respect to risk management as part of daily planning by a ship operator.
