Elijah Morales

Title: Chemical Safety and Safety Resilience in a Global Cruise Operation: An Internship with Holland America Line

Abstract:

This report provides a critical analysis of my internship experience, integrating an in-depth exploration oforganizational practices with current literature to evaluate methods, identifying best practices, andpropose actionable recommendations that advance professional standards. I worked with the Health,Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) department of Holland America line on projects that supportedchemical management, safety communication, and fleet-wide consistency across a global maritimeoperation. My work centered on improving how safety information is organized, communicated, andpracticed on board cruise vessels that operate under complex international regulations. Throughout theinternship, I contributed updates to Holland America Line’s OHS Procedures which stands forOccupational Health and Safety. I specifically worked on the OHS-1102 Chemical ManagementProcedure where I reviewed and refined Safety Data Sheets in Chemwatch, organized digital chemicalinventories, and created guidance materials to help crews understand hazard classifications and requiredprotective measures. In addition to chemical safety tasks, I assisted with broader safety communicationinitiatives across the fleet. These projects included redesigning the Employee of the Month recognitionprogram, developing new Toolbox Talk templates, creating a lithium-ion battery safety poster, andsupporting the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational HealthSciences social media takeover to highlight shipboard safety practices. Each activity helped meunderstand how technical systems and human behavior work together to maintain a consistent level ofsafety in an environment that faces daily operational challenges. The experience provided firsthandinsight into how maritime safety regulations such as the International Safety Management Code (ISM)and Safety Of Life at Sea (SOLAS) are applied in real-world settings. It also showed me how criticalcommunication, training, and collaboration are for sustaining a reliable safety culture on board. Thisinternship strengthened my understanding of occupational safety and industrial hygiene in a globalcontext and helped shape my career goals.