What is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA)?

a. In accordance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is to be assigned by the Managing Company to ensure the safe operation of each ISM compliant yacht > 500GT. b. The DPA provides a link between the Managing Company and those employed on board the yacht. c. The DPA must have direct access to the highest level of management within the Managing Company to ensure adequate resources and shore-based support are allocated to monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each yacht. d. The DPA holds a key role in the Management responsibility to implement and maintain the Company Safety Management System (SMS). e. Designated Persons need to be suitably qualified and experienced in vessel operations or management systems and be fully conversant with the company safety and environmental protection policies and Safety Management System. f. In order to maintain the management system efficiently: implementation must be verified; deficiencies must be reported and; those responsible for corrective action must be identified and observed to be taking the appropriate corrective action.