Conversational theme № 17

I. Read, translate and learn the text:

Quality system

Today quality is part of our life. Quality means control of performance and achievement to meet the standards defined by a system. IMO has adopted the ISM Code, which is compulsory and aims to secure safety and pollution prevention. This code has put much emphasis on the structure and the standards of the shipping company ashore, not only on the vessels. European countries and the USA have set their own rules, which are far stricter than the International Standards.

For the sake of uniformity and in order to ensure that we all talk the same language IMO has; structured Quality System, which it is necessary to follow.

ISO standards and ISMA code define the strategy. These standards are internationally recognized. ISO means International Standard Organisation and describes how an Organisation can reach the ideal product. The companies, which want to succeed, follow their guidelines.

ISMA Code means International Ship Managers' Association Code. This Code has translated the ISO standards to the shipping industry having taken into consideration the requirements of other international bodies involved in the shipping industry. Furthermore ISMA Code has adopted and complies with the IMO resolution 680.

The quality System tells us how to do things correctly, how to care about the vessel, the crew, the cargo and the environment and includes in itself:

1. reporting of Accidents;

2. paper work,

3. check lists

4. training,

5. safely committees.

Quality System has to do with permanent change of attitude of all employees and expects them to:

• to be committed in the Company's policy and system,

• be responsible;

• show initiative;

• to understand the Company's policy and system;

• be cooperative;

• accept criticism,

• show positive behavior,

• learn to work smarter;

• be a good communicator,

• measure, compare and evaluate your performance;

• be tidy,

• be honest,

• try to do the right thing from the first lime,

• respect; and be respected

II. NOTES:

compulsory – обязательный

uniformity – единообразие, однородность

guidelines – руководство

to commit – связывать себя обязательством

to accept – принимать, допускать

to evaluate – оценивать

to be tidy – быть аккуратным

III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. What does the Quality system provide?

2. What does the abbreviation ISO stand for?

3. What does the ISMA code define?

4. What does the quality system include?

5. Is the ISM code compulsory?

Conversational theme № 18

1. Read, translate and learn the text:

On insurance matters

Marine insurance is a branch of commerce with long history. According to the insurance contract, called a policy, the insurer undertakes to indemnify the assured against marine losses. This contract of indemnity is usually based on values in advance which may be greater or less than the values actually at risk.

In consideration of payment of "premium" the underwriter agrees to indemnify the assured against loss or damage caused by perils of the seas, fire, war perils, pirates, thieves, captures, jettisons and any other perils, either of the like kind or which may be designated by the policy.

Insurance matters require profound juridical knowledge. For instance, losses by fire are normally recoverable under the policy. The policy does not however, cover cargo fired by spontaneous combustion if the underwriter can prove that the cargo was shipped- in a condition likely to give rise to spontaneous combustion. There would be a loss due to inherent vice of goods which is not a peril insured against. Moreover, if the assured knew that the goods were shipped in an improper condition and he failed to disclose that fact to the underwriter, the latter would have the further reason for repudiating liability that there had been concealment of material fact. If spontaneous combustion of one parcel of cargo caused damage to another parcel of a different kind, the latter damage would be covered by the policy.

When an accident occurs the Insurance Company dispatches an insurance inspector to investigate the case which lays grounds for legal decision. An. insurance claim is satisfied when all the rules are complied with and rejected when the claim is not sufficiently supported.

II. NOTES:

to witness - заверять, быть свидетелем

obligation - обязательство

to mortgage - закладывать

policy - страховой полис

assured - застрахованный; лицо или группа лиц, в пользу которых выписан страховой полис

3. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. What insurance companies do you know?

2. How is the insurance contract called?

3. What do insurance matters require?

4. What does the insurance policy cover?

5. What does the insurance inspector do?