Abstract:
This report provides a critical analysis of my internship experience, integrating an in-depth exploration of
organizational practices with current literature to evaluate methods, identifying best practices, and
propose actionable recommendations that advance professional standards. I worked with the Health,
Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) department of Holland America line on projects that supported
chemical management, safety communication, and fleet-wide consistency across a global maritime
operation. My work centered on improving how safety information is organized, communicated, and
practiced on board cruise vessels that operate under complex international regulations. Throughout the
internship, I contributed updates to Holland America Line’s OHS Procedures which stands for
Occupational Health and Safety. I specifically worked on the OHS-1102 Chemical Management
Procedure where I reviewed and refined Safety Data Sheets in Chemwatch, organized digital chemical
inventories, and created guidance materials to help crews understand hazard classifications and required
protective measures. In addition to chemical safety tasks, I assisted with broader safety communication
initiatives across the fleet. These projects included redesigning the Employee of the Month recognition
program, developing new Toolbox Talk templates, creating a lithium-ion battery safety poster, and
supporting the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
Sciences social media takeover to highlight shipboard safety practices. Each activity helped me
understand how technical systems and human behavior work together to maintain a consistent level of
safety in an environment that faces daily operational challenges. The experience provided firsthand
insight 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 critical
communication, training, and collaboration are for sustaining a reliable safety culture on board. This
internship strengthened my understanding of occupational safety and industrial hygiene in a global
context and helped shape my career goals.