The Safety4Sea report explains that CIMAC and the Marine Battery Forum have released a joint paper on the regulatory environment for battery use in deep-sea shipping. Their study shows that battery systems are progressing fast, but the rules that guide safe use are not keeping up at the same pace.
Regulations Cover Technology, But Not Operations
The paper notes that most technical standards already exist. These include guidelines for design, installation, and testing. Many authorities and class societies provide basic requirements. This means the industry has a solid foundation for the hardware itself.
But the report stresses that this is only part of what deep-sea shipping needs.
Operational rules are still incomplete. Crew members must understand battery risks. They also need clear procedures. Today, many of these areas are either missing or inconsistent.
Crew Training Is the Largest Gap
According to the publication, training is the weakest link. Only a few organisations provide structured guidance. Many global rules do not mention battery-specific skills at all.
This gap creates risk. Battery systems behave differently from traditional fuel systems. Without training, crews may not respond correctly in emergencies. The authors describe this as a major barrier to safe adoption.
The Human Factor Matters for Safety
The report highlights that better technology alone is not enough. Seafarers must be able to operate these systems every day. They must also know how to act if failures occur.
The paper calls for joint effort from regulators, training bodies, shipyards, and suppliers. A common approach is needed so that seafarers everywhere receive consistent instructions.
Next Steps for the Industry
The authors believe shipping must move toward shared standards. Clear training requirements, aligned procedures, and unified competence models will support safer use of batteries. These steps also help companies prepare for new sustainability rules and future energy systems.
The message is simple: battery adoption will grow, but only if people at sea are trained and ready.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
