10 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 22 | Q3 2025 SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW INTERVIEW WITH SEAFARERS SAFETY IN ACTION: STOP WORK AUTHORITY ONBOARD In this issue, we have the pleasure to host Capt. Gerardo G. Napoles (GN) of Hellas Margarita, Capt. Stijepo Gandolfi (SG) and C/E Noel Jr. Barrido (NB) of Hellas Revenger, and Capt. Jose Levy Rodriguez (JLR) of Hellas Sparta. All of the interviewers are well experienced and we are glad they share with us their knowledge and opinion on Stop Work Authority. Describe how Stop Work Authority is implemented onboard during your service. GN: It is implemented every time. If anyone notices unsafe acts on board, SWA is immediately executed to any crew regardless of his rank. SWA is issued to re-evaluate the risks and produce alternative safe workflow. All crew members, regardless of rank, are empowered and encouraged to stop any task if they believe that conditions are unsafe or if procedures are not being followed. SG: Stop work authority is implemented as final protective barrier prior and during the work itself. Tool box talk and permit system serve its purpose in preparing for the task at hand but stop work enhances the overall safety of the task throughout its completion. NB: Onboard, Stop Work Authority is treated as a standing order for everyone. Every crewmember regardless of rank is encouraged to call a stop anytime when something doesn’t look right. If anyone witness a hazard from work, or feel unsure about the job, they simply raise their hand, call “STOP” and task halt immediately. The team then reassess the situation, establish control measures to eliminate or mitigate hazards and only resumes when everyone agrees it’s safe. JLR: Stop work authority is a fundamental safety concept that empowers individuals to halt any operation they perceive to be unsafe or risky. I always emphasize this to all onboard that there is no exemptions to implement SWA onboard from the top rank down to lowest rank. This grants
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