Illustrating differences between major nonconformity, nonconformity, hazardous occurrence and near miss situations, show with examples steps taken by you as Second Engineer in each case for successful handling.

Definitions (per ISM Code and safety management):

• Non-conformity (NC): an observed situation where objective evidence indicates that a specified requirement of the SMS/ISM is not fulfilled. It is a deviation that, if not corrected, could affect safety/pollution. Example: a planned maintenance record for the emergency generator is missing; a fire extinguisher is not serviced; a crew member not familiar with the emergency duties.
• Major Non-conformity (MNC): an identifiable deviation that poses a serious threat to safety of personnel or the ship or a serious risk to the environment and requires immediate corrective action; or a non-conformity that is not corrected; or clear evidence of a lack of effective and systematic implementation of the SMS. Example: the engine room is operated with the OWS bypassed and oily water discharged overboard; the emergency generator fails to start; the SMS is not being implemented (no drills, no maintenance).
• Hazardous occurrence: an event/condition that could have caused, or did cause, harm to people, property or the environment (an incident with actual or potential harm). Example: a fire breaks out in the engine room but is extinguished; a person is injured; a near-collision; a machinery failure that could have caused a casualty.
• Near miss: an unplanned event that did not result in injury, damage or harm but had the potential to do so. Example: a tool falls from a height and lands near a person; a person almost slips on an oily deck; a valve is nearly opened to the wrong line; a crane load nearly strikes a person.

Steps taken by the Second Engineer in each case:

1. Non-conformity (e.g. missing maintenance record):

• Identify and record the NC (log it in the non-conformity register with details/evidence).
• Take corrective action: complete the missing record/maintenance, rectify the deficiency.
• Investigate the cause (e.g. the PMS not updated), implement preventive action (e.g. a reminder/checklist), and verify the correction.
• Report to the Chief Engineer/Master and the DPA; close out the NC after verification.

1. Major Non-conformity (e.g. OWS bypassed / oily water discharged):

• Immediately stop the unsafe operation (isolate the OWS, stop the discharge, secure the bypass) - the priority is to remove the serious threat.
• Report immediately to the Master and the company/DPA; if required, to the flag/RO.
• Investigate the root cause; implement corrective action (repair the OWS, remove the bypass, retrain the crew) and preventive action (procedures, checks).
• Verify effectiveness, update the SMS, and record everything; the MNC may require the SMC/DOC to be re-verified.

1. Hazardous occurrence (e.g. a fire in the engine room):

• Raise the alarm and take immediate emergency action to control the fire (isolate fuel, use extinguishers/fixed system, evacuate as needed) - protect life first.
• After the incident, secure the area, make the plant safe, and preserve evidence.
• Report the incident to the Master and company/DPA; carry out an investigation (root cause) with the team.
• Implement corrective/preventive actions (repair, retrain, revise procedures), verify, and record; report to the flag/authority as required.

1. Near miss (e.g. a tool nearly striking a person):

• Stop work, secure the area, and ensure no one is injured; report the near miss immediately (encourage a no-blame reporting culture).
• Investigate why it happened (e.g. no tool lanyard, poor housekeeping, unsafe practice).
• Implement corrective/preventive action (use tool lanyards, improve housekeeping, retrain, revise the risk assessment), verify, and record in the near-miss register.
• Share the lesson with the crew to prevent recurrence.

In all cases the Second Engineer follows the SMS procedures, documents the event, investigates the cause, takes corrective and preventive action, verifies effectiveness, and reports to the Master/DPA, thereby supporting the continual improvement of the SMS and preventing recurrence.