Inmarsat’s The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2023 sheds light on persisting safety challenges and advocates for a heightened focus on the human element in the shipping industry, says an article published on sea trade maritime website.
Evolving Safety Landscape
Despite a decline in total vessel losses over recent decades, incidents at sea remain alarmingly high. Inmarsat’s 2023 report reveals a surge in distress calls, with 853 recorded in 2022, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to maritime safety.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence data and Allianz Global Corporate and Speciality Safety and Shipping Review 2023 further highlight the industry’s challenges, citing a rise in casualties, including machinery damage, collision, fire, explosion, and grounding.
Digital And Green Transformation Challenges
As the maritime sector undergoes rapid digital and green transformations, new challenges emerge, particularly concerning novel technologies and alternative fuels. Peter Broadhurst, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory, Inmarsat Maritime, sees these challenges as an opportunity to not just maintain but improve safety levels.
Human Element Focus
Addressing existing deficiencies is crucial for meaningful progress. Broadhurst emphasizes the need to move beyond merely calling for more training, acknowledging the limitations of this approach. The industry should avoid placing undue blame on seafarers and instead address underlying safety-culture shortcomings.
Human Factors In Incidents
Human factors contribute significantly to incidents, with poor living and working conditions, separation from families, and unfair employment practices cited as probable causes. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to a shortage of trained personnel and concerns about overwork.
Seafarer Recommendations
Inmarsat’s report amplifies the voices of seafarers, who stress the importance of regular, high-quality training, frequent safety drills, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), proper rest hours, manageable shift patterns, and adequate crew numbers on board. Recommendations often revolve around fundamental safety considerations and a call for leaders to focus on basics, including regular safety protocol reviews.
Proactive Industry Changes
Seafarers advocate for a strong safety culture, emphasizing open communication and embracing advanced technology such as automation and remote monitoring systems. The interconnection between regulation, the human element, and technology is crucial for addressing safety challenges as the industry transitions to alternative fuels and embraces decarbonization and digitalization.
Listening To The Workforce
As the industry evolves, the insights and concerns of the workforce must be considered. The call is for leaders to proactively implement changes based on seafarers’ recommendations to enhance safety in a transforming maritime landscape.
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Source: sea trade maritime
