Who is the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in shipping? Discover their important role in maritime safety, compliance with the ISM Code, and how they bridge ship and shore operations.
Introduction
As a ship departs, it takes with it not only goods and crew — but also the burden of safety, environmental defense, and conformity.
In the background, there is a person on land whose task it is to provide assurance that the ship operation is safe, compliant, and properly backed. This is the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) — the critical link between shore and ship.
The DPA is the vessel’s safety management system’s guardian angel that ensures the company is complying with the ISM Code and providing the crew with an open line to the shore management, particularly in emergency situations.
The Legal Backbone – ISM Code
The DPA’s role is a direct result of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which has been adopted by the IMO.
According to the ISM Code, each company shall appoint a person ashore with direct access to the top of the management.
ISM Code – Section 4 specifically indicates:
“To guarantee the safe manning and operation of each vessel and to create a link between the company and the personnel on board, every company shall designate a person or persons ashore with direct access to the highest level of management.”
Key Duties of the DPA
- Oversight of Safety Management System (SMS)
Assure there is an SMS in place on board which is followed as a routine component of operations on board.
Monitor the ship’s performance for relevant safety drills or other safety measures, and compliance with international conventions and other relevant laws and regulations.
- Provision of Communication Link
Serve as a 24/7 point of contact for the ship.
Provide immediate assistance in the event of an accident, breakdown or emergency.
- Monitoring and Reporting
Review Accident/Incident reports submitted by the vessels.
Ensure corrective and preventive measures are developed, applied, and monitored.
- Compliance and Audit
Facilitate internal audits.
Prepare the ship and crew for external audits (Flag, Class, PSC, vetting).
- Emergency Response
Call up and coordinate the company’s Emergency Response Plan.
Offer resources and decision-making assistance to the Master.
Skills & Qualities of a Good DPA
From experience, the ideal DPAs are those who:
Have excellent seafaring experience (preferably Master or Chief Engineer).
Know ISM, ISPS, MARPOL, STCW, SOLAS inside out.
Are great communicators — clear, calm, and responsive.
Can make fast, risk-based judgements in difficult circumstances.
Develop trust with ship and company management.
Why the DPA Matters for Seafarers
For a seafarer, the DPA is more than a compliance role — they are the crew’s voice in the boardroom.
If the crew is put in danger by manning, equipment, or operating pressures, they can speak out to the DPA without fear of being dismissed.
The DPA ensures that these issues get to top management and are addressed.
A Typical Day for a DPA
On any given day, a DPA may:
- Review overnight vessel reports for any incidents or near misses.
- Arrange spare parts or specialist engineers for a ship in port.
- Perform a remote SMS compliance review for a vessel on the high seas.
- Take part in an emergency drill as a member of the shore response team.
- Get ready for a coming RightShip or Class inspection.
- Everyday Challenges for DPAs
- Scheduling commercial and safety priorities — resisting when schedules compromise safety.
- Coordinating multiple ships with varying operational requirements.
- Dealing with emergency calls during odd hours.
- Building trust — being perceived as a safety partner, rather than a fault-finder.
How to Work Effectively with Your DPA
Keep communication honest — don’t hide problems.
Give them complete details when reporting an issue.
Follow SMS procedures — it builds confidence in your professionalism.
Remember: Your DPA is your shore-side support, not your enemy.
Conclusion
The Designated Person Ashore is perhaps the most vital but least known shipping figure. They safeguard ships, keep them compliant, and provide support, usually unseen in the background. To crew members, they are the point of contact to the top brass; to management, they are eyes and ears on board.
In an era where shipping is under mounting regulatory and safety pressure, the DPA role has never been so important.
A quality DPA saves lives, helps preserve the environment, and keeps the company away from courtroom battles — all without ever leaving the comfort of deck.
