Earlier this year, when Christiaan Vermeijden learned about NINA for the first time, he feared it would mean huge piles of paper. “Fortunately, it only is one single A4 paper: the NINA Values and Rules. That is where the strength of the program lies: it is simple and understandable for everybody. The added value is the open culture the program creates. I expect that NINA will make it easier for us to discuss safety, and not just when something goes wrong.”

Engagement
That is what he promotes himself: “This year I am going to visit all our vessels and make safety open to discussion with the people on board. That is my personal commitment to NINA. And in the office too. At the beginning of each meeting I chair we discuss a NINA moment. At first people were a bit reluctant but now it is taken up well and I hope the entire organisation will follow this example.”

Creating awareness
“I myself am from the offshore world, I used to work outside in the time men wore flipflops. So I saw the safety culture change. The core of NINA
is that you see safety as your responsibility and do not take it for granted. However, I believe you will only make the change if you are also aware of it in your private life.

Many years ago I used to cut trees in my garden with a chain saw without using safety goggles. I would never do that now. That is also what I tell at the NINA training sessions. Working safely begins with creating awareness and sharing experiences. It helps when you talk about it.”

“Working safely begins with creating awareness and sharing experiences.”