Introduction
The primary objective of Gozo Channel's Safety, Health and Environmental Policy (SEP) is to prevent human injury, loss of life, damage to ship, cargo or surroundings or pollution of the environment, particularly the marine environment.

Gozo Channel's policy is based on the safe operation of its vessels through safe ship practices, maintaining vessels and their equipment in a safe condition and emergency preparedness, both onboard and ashore. This policy will be further reinforced by safeguarding against all identified risks, compliance with statutory regulations and observation of other applicable codes and standards.

Gozo Channel, conscious of its responsibilities, affirms its commitment to safety, health and environmental protection and, although not required by local legislation, firmly supports the implementation of the ISM Code within a reasonable period of time. It seeks to conduct its operations so as to ensure, safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life and the avoidance of damage to the environment, in particular the marine environment, as well as to property. A programme to implement the ISM Code will be developed and followed in a reasonable time frame consistent with the expectations of this policy.

Safety Policy
Personal safety and an incident-free operation are primary objectives and will always be given at least equal priority alongside business and operating objectives.

The personal safety of all individuals within Gozo Channel and the general public will be given equal emphasis.

Gozo Channel safety rules will be clearly established and enforced as a condition of employment. All contractor employees working within Gozo Channel will also be required to conform to the safety rules.

Safety training requirements will be established and implemented for all personnel and contractors. All personnel need to be competent to carry out their duties.

It is the duty of all persons within Gozo Channel to comply with the safety measures required by national legislation, and to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. Any person will be supported by Management if they intervene to prevent manifestly unsafe acts or breaking of Company or statutory safety rules, standards or procedures by others.

Management and Supervision are accountable for their area safety performance. It will be included as a factor in all annual performance appraisals. Management and Supervision will make clear by example and by audits, the safety standards required. Safety Committees will be active in each area.

A member of Gozo Channel senior management will be responsible for the Company's safety policy. The Designated Person and other appointed advisers if necessary, will provide technical support and advice to line management, supervision, employees and contractors. The Designated Person will also ensure that an audit programme is in place to test the effectiveness of any safety activity throughout the Company.

No job or operation must be started that cannot be completed or terminated in a safe condition through the use of proper job planning and procedures.

All incidents will be investigated to determine the cause. Actions taken to prevent a recurrence will be communicated.

Health Policy
Maintenance of the health of employees and others potentially affected by Gozo Channel's activities is a primary objective which will be pursued to at least the standard required by law, and will always be given at least equal priority to business and operating objectives.

Line management and supervision will ensure that health risks associated with current or planned operations are assessed, and preventative or control measures implemented as required.

The advice of health professionals will be sought in the development and implementation of health related programmes and procedures.

All persons engaged in Gozo Channel business are required to help maintain a healthy working environment, and to wear personal protective equipment when required.

Employees will be medically assessed at pre-employment and subsequently as required to ensure that their medical state permits them to undertake their jobs without undue risks to health and safety of themselves and others.

Mandatory examinations are provided for specific jobs due to legal requirements or Company policy, or if it is necessary for the health and safety of the employees and others.

All medical information concerning individuals will be kept as confidential and will not be disclosed without the consent of the individuals to whom it relates.

Environmental Policy
It is Gozo Channel's policy to conduct its business in a manner that is compatible with the balanced environmental and economic needs of the communities in which it operates. Furthermore, it is Gozo Channel's policy to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and apply responsible standards where laws or regulations do not exist.

Gozo Channel is committed to continuous efforts to improve environmental performance throughout its activities. It will encourage concern and respect for the environment, emphasise every employee's responsibility in environmental performance, and provide appropriate operating practices and training.

To meet the objectives of this policy, Gozo Channel will:

• Adhere to all environmental standards and regulations which are applicable to marine operations, including shore support operations.
  
  
• Manage its business with the goal of preventing incidents and, design, operate and maintain facilities to this end.
  
  
• Employ environmental specialists and advisers to provide technical support and advice to line management, supervisors and employees if required.
  
  
• Respond quickly and effectively to incidents resulting from its operations, co-operating with industry organisations, authorised government agencies and local authorities as necessary.
  
  
• Undertake reviews and evaluations of its operations to measure progress and to ensure compliance with this environmental policy.
  
  
• Introduce, if necessary with the assistance of the Malta Maritime Authority - Ports Directorate MERMS Unit, a Maritime Environmental Risk Management System (MERMS).