Technical Writing

A Safety Management System is only as good as the crew’s ability to understand and follow it. Too many SMS manuals have grown over the years into thousands of pages of overlapping procedures, outdated references and wording that crews struggle to follow. When procedures are unclear, they are ignored, and that is when incidents happen.

EASK Marine Consultancy has carried out complete SMS rewrites for some of the largest shipping companies in the world, as well as for oil majors and leading independent owners and operators. Our Master Mariners turn complex, outdated documentation into clear, practical and fully compliant systems that crews actually use.

What we write

• Safety Management Systems (SMS): complete rewrites, restructuring and gap analysis against the ISM Code, SIRE 2.0, TMSA and international regulations
• Navigation Manuals: clear guidance for bridge teams, built on industry best practice
• Marine Standards: company-wide policies and standards for safe, consistent operations
• Safety procedures and SOPs: clear, step-by-step instructions for crew members
• Checklists and forms: concise, practical tools that support each procedure
• Emergency response and contingency plans
• Fleet-wide harmonisation of manuals following mergers, acquisitions or fleet growth

Written by seafarers, for seafarers

Our writers are Master Mariners who have commanded the vessels these procedures are written for. Our founder, Capt. Michael J. Horgan, was part of Chevron’s Marine Standards team at its head offices in California, and Capt. Remi Klos has led SMS and Navigation Manual rewrites for some of the largest shipping companies in the world.

Because we know life on board, we write procedures that work in practice: in plain English, easy to find and easy to follow, even under pressure and for crews whose first language is not English. Clear documentation is a Human Element issue too. When crews understand exactly what is expected of them, they follow procedures with confidence.

Powered by our own AI tools

We have built our own AI models specifically to support maritime technical writing. They help us analyse existing manuals, cross-reference requirements against the ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and SIRE 2.0, identify duplication and gaps, and produce consistent first drafts at speed.

Every document is still written, reviewed and approved by our Master Mariners. The AI does the heavy lifting; our experience makes sure every procedure is accurate, practical and right for your fleet. The result is a complete SMS rewrite delivered in a fraction of the time of a traditional approach, without compromising on quality.

Clarity, compliance and best practice

• Aligned with the ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC 2006 and flag state requirements
• Ready for SIRE 2.0 inspections and TMSA self-assessment
• A clear structure, so crews and auditors find what they need quickly
• Plain, consistent language that reduces misinterpretation
• No duplication or contradiction between procedures
• Built around how your vessels actually operate

How we work

• Review and gap analysis: we assess your existing documentation against regulations, industry guidance and your actual operations
• Structure: we agree a clear, logical framework with your team before any writing begins
• Drafting: our Master Mariners write each section, supported by our AI tools for speed and consistency
• Review: drafts are reviewed with your office and sea staff, so the final system reflects how your fleet really works
• Implementation: we can support the roll-out with onboard training, so crews understand and adopt the new procedures

Why clients choose EASK Marine

• SMS rewrites completed for some of the largest shipping companies in the world
• Writers who are Master Mariners with oil major and Marine Standards experience
• Our own AI tools for faster delivery without compromising quality
• Documents crews can actually understand and follow
• Full alignment with the ISM Code, SIRE 2.0 and international regulations
• Onboard training to bring new procedures to life

Whether you need a complete SMS rewrite, a new Navigation Manual or a review of your existing procedures, please contact us below to discuss your requirements.