All employees and contractors of Echo Seismic Ltd. and its affiliates (the “Corporation”), recognize that transportation exposes employees to more risk than any other activity or task. To reduce transportation risks to an acceptable level, this policy and all related procedures MUST be adhered to for ALL vehicle and vessel operations.

Responsibility for compliance with transportation regulations pertaining to vehicle and vessel operations lies with both the operator and management. It is the sole responsibility of the operator to comply with the requirements of this policy and all related vehicle/vessel operation procedures specific to affiliated business units.

Vehicle/vessel operators shall report all violations received, as well as all events that occur regardless of severity, to their supervisor. Supervisors are required to report the event to the site manager who will ensure a proper investigation and follow-up is conducted.

It is the responsibility of each operator to ensure that they are aware of all rules and regulations that apply to the operation of vehicles/vessels they are assigned to operate. Ignorance of the law or applicable regulations is not an acceptable excuse for non-compliance.

As part of the transportation safety requirements, the Corporation strives to:

• Maintain the highest standards possible when employing and training licensed vehicle and vessel operators.
• Ensure operators are aware of and adhere to all applicable laws within the country or region of operation.
• Provide quality training to operators and personnel responsible for managing transportation related activities.
• Ensure resources are available to operators to fulfill “hours of service” requirements, where required.
• Maintain job rotation schedules and limit work hours to help control worker fatigue.
• Ensure management and operators select and use vehicles/vessels of the correct size and design for the intended use.

Operator Certification – Motor vehicle operators require a biennial (every 2 years) driver abstract to be on file for review of driving history. All abstracts will be reviewed by management and are subject to discretionary measures on a case-by-case basis. Traffic law violations received by an individual between abstracts must be reported to and assessed by management. Vehicle operators are held personally responsible for any citation issued by an enforcement agency.

Operator Training & Qualifications – Only approved personnel are permitted to operate Corporation-owned or leased vehicles/vessels or vehicles/vessels rented for business purposes. Only vehicle operators who have completed awareness training or other approved driver training and who have passed the driver assessment requirement are permitted to operate vehicles on behalf of the Corporation. Personnel who operate Corporation vehicles/vessels (owned, leased, or rented) are required to participate in the Corporation drug and alcohol program specific to the country of operation or business unit.

Safety Equipment – It is mandatory to always use safety belts when operating or riding as a passenger in a vehicle fitted with safety belts. Prior to departure, drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing safety belts (Refusal or failure to wear safety belts could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination). PFDs (Personal Flotation Device) are required to be worn by all personnel whilst on board a moving watercraft.

In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) – Corporation land-based vehicles (owned, rented, leased, or otherwise) are equipped with In Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS) that monitor vehicle location, speed, seatbelt use (if applicable), harsh braking / acceleration, and harsh cornering. The IVMS must be operational at all times while the vehicle is being operated. Tampering with or removal of the IVMS by the vehicle operator is prohibited and any such tampering will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Vehicle Inspections – All corporation land-based vehicles must be inspected prior to use through the online inspection system or via hard copy inspection if cell service unavailable.

Smoking – Smoking is prohibited in corporation vehicles/vessels including rented or leased equipment.

Journey Management – All operations must have in place an active journey management program. Journey Management programs must address all local driving and sea state conditions, associated risks, and include the development of Mob/De-mob plans for every location move (individual operator and crew).

Distracted Driving – The use of cellular telephones and other hand-held devices that may distract a driver’s attention while operating a corporation owned, leased, or rented vehicle/vessel are strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Texting, e-mailing, or entering information on GPS units or smart phones.
• Operating electronic devices i.e.: laptop computers, video games, cameras, video displays and portable audio players.
• Reading printed materials, writing, printing, or sketching while the vehicle/vessel is in motion.
• Personal grooming or eating that results in obvious distraction of vehicle/vessel operation.

Hands free devices may be used, however this activity must be minimized and it is advised that the vehicle operator stops the vehicle in a safe location to complete a conversation as it may result in the operator being distracted from the task of operating the vehicle. 

The operator of any Corporation vehicle/vessel who fails to comply with the above Policy or refuses to participate in the programs associated with this policy may have their operator privileges suspended and/or face disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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Richard Habiak, President, and CEO

ECHO Seismic Ltd