Safety, Quality, Environment, and Security

Safety, Quality, Environment, and Security

Matson’s Safety, Quality, Environment, and Security Department works to ensure the safety and security of its employees, the environment, its cargo, and its operations. Matson manages continuous compliance and improvement through ISO and International Safety Management (ISM) programs, including the ISM Safety, Quality and Environmental Management (SQE) program, employee training, and performance tracking. Key environmental programs cover air pollution and climate change, water quality, and solid waste.

Realizing the importance of documented procedures and clear policies relating to safety and environmental management, Matson keeps its vessels and offices certified to the requirements of:

  • The International Safety Management (ISM) Code
  • The voluntary ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standards
  • The ISM Safety, Quality and Environmental Management (SQE) program
  • The cybersecurity standards of ISO 27001, NIST 800-53 , and DFARS 252.204-7012 standards

Matson made the decision in 1998 to certify all its vessels to the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, four years before it was required by regulation. In 2003, Matson’s SS Chief Gadao became the first U.S.-Flag container vessel certified to the ISM Safety, Quality and Environmental Management (SQE) program. Since then, all Matson vessels, including our newest ships, have been certified as meeting SQE requirements. The SQE program combines the now-mandatory ISM Code requirements with the voluntary ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards. Matson’s shoreside operations and offices were first certified to the ISO 14001 standard in 2003.

As an SQE and ISO certified company, Matson has a documented Management System which encourages continuous improvement and is overseen by a Designated Management Representative. One of the major components of Matson’s SQE program is established policies. Matson aims to exceed already stringent environmental standards in an effort to reduce or eliminate environmental risks from our operations.

Matson has identified the significant environmental aspects and impacts of Matson’s business through its ISO program. Related objectives and targets are established annually for our vessel operations and offices. Performance is tracked against targets and published in our SQES Bulletin, an internal newsletter distributed quarterly to all Matson employees.

The other major components of the Matson Safety, Quality and Environment Program are regular audits and a corrective action system that promotes continuous improvement.

For more information about Matson's security programs, please click here.