MARINE services company Pacific Towing (PacTow), based in Papua New Guinea, is celebrating after achieving three recent ISO certifications – ISO:9001 (Quality), ISO:45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), and ISO:14001 (Environment).
The certifications apply to the diverse breadth of services the company provides to clients across multiple industries in both Papua New Guinea and internationally.
The scope of PacTow’s ISO certifications is extensive, encompassing towage, mooring, salvage, commercial diving, and life raft services. Although harbour towage is PacTow’s core business, it increasingly provides its other services to PNG’s oil and gas sector, as well as in international waters.
PacTow’s ISO certification process took around one year, with certification achieved in early January. General manager, Neil Papenfus, reports that the process took longer than anticipated due to complexities and delays associated with COVID-19, with most of the auditing being conducted online. He credits his Health, Safety, Sustainability, Environment & Quality (HSSEQ) team for PacTow’s successful certification.
Mr Papenfus acknowledged PacTow’s pursuit of ISO certification as “overdue” but notes that the company holds other significant certifications and has implemented numerous initiatives attesting to its quality, safety and environmental credentials.
For example, in 2021 PacTow voluntarily undertook and passed its International Safety Management Code audit; an audit conducted in accord with the International Maritime Organisation, the United Nations agency specialising in maritime and shipping affairs. Furthermore, the company’s camp facilities at its dedicated tug base in Port Moresby are Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certified.
PacTow’s quality credentials are underpinned by substantial investments in training programs (in-house and overseas) for all of its seafarers and onshore staff (including two cadetship programs). The company even has its own purpose-built training facilities at its dedicated tug base in Port Moresby.
PacTow also has its own internal Safety Awards program, as well as an innovative program – Gender Smart Safety – that specifically improves the workplace health and safety of female employees.
Initiatives to reduce its environmental impact include mangrove rejuvenation projects, a new waste management plan, and the decreased use of diesel along with an uptake of solar energy.
“PacTow already enjoyed a reputation for excellence and reliability,” Mr Papenfus said. “But our ISO certifications give us additional credibility especially from the perspective of new or prospective clients.
“More important than the marketability of these certifications though is the improvements we’ll enjoy in operational efficiencies which will result in an even better client service experience.
“Likewise, the refinements we’ve made during the certification process will help us achieve our major HSSE and organisational goal for 2022, which is further reducing our carbon footprint.”
PacTow is part of a larger sea and land logistics group wholly owned by Steamships Limited.
