SHIP MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

SHIP MANAGEMENT SERVICES

LSM manages vessels registered in a number of countries, having had vessels registered in the United Kingdom, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Saudi Arabia and Malta, the choice of country of registry is one taken by the Owner and for the most part is based upon the commercial requirements of the trades upon which they are engaged. However management has operated vessels registered in a number of other countries and is therefore able to provide guidance and advice as well as the infrastructure required to administer these alternative flags.

The majority of the managed fleet is classified by Lloyds Register and Protection and Indemnity Insurance is provided by the North of England P&I Club. Hull and Machinery Insurance is arranged with the M.S.M.I. of Newcastle. LSM enjoys very favourable rates and quite unique terms with both parties based upon its historical heritage and performance.  

Management extends far beyond the normal limits of a standard Ship Management Contract and embraces all aspects of ship owning, not least of which is Insurance, Surveying and Inspection, New Building Research, Development and Supervision and includes Sale and Purchase.

SEA STAFF

Senior officers serving at sea in the ranks of Master and Chief Engineer are mainly British or Commonwealth nationals holding an equivalent of a British Department of Transport Certificate of Competency. These officers are employed on contracts of employment provided by off-shore companies who are in some cases owned or associated with the ship owning companies. They are almost to a man long serving members of staff with career paths from within the South African Marine Corporation or the British & Commonwealth Group, many having started their careers as Cadets within these companies. Their knowledge, experience and professional competence in the trade is seen as an extremely valuable asset and highly appreciated by the Owners and especially the Charterers.

Junior Officers as well as some Senior Officers are employed through manning agencies in Sri-Lanka and the Philippines most of which have a very long and traditional link with the company. Likewise ratings are drawn from the same agencies, in this way LSM enjoys continuity of employment onboard the vessels with ratings serving many years in the fleet.

TRAINING

In conjunction with the owning companies there is a cadet and ratings training scheme in operation whereby berths are provided onboard the vessels for both Deck and Engineering cadets as part of the commitment to the long term provision of competent and well trained officers and crew for the industry as well as for the requirements of its own managed fleet.

OFFICE STAFF

Headed by the Chief Executive there are some fourteen staff employed ashore, comprising of a Deputy Chief Executive, a Fleet Manager, Technical Superintendents. Purchasing and Personnel Managers, with the Accounts department making up the bulk of the remaining employees, all supported by secretarial and communications staff. The company also has its own resident computer and IT systems consultancy.