A major survey of 30,000 seafarers, with over 3,300 responses, has shed light on the ongoing tension between efficiency demands and safe operations in the maritime sector. The findings reveal that while safety rules exist, they are often undervalued in practice, leaving many seafarers caught between meeting company targets and protecting their well-being.
Safety Rules Undervalued Amid Efficiency Pressures
The survey found that 26% of seafarers admitted to occasionally breaking safety procedures due to company demands, while 38% said they were assigned tasks that required them to be in two places at once. Nearly one in five respondents believe companies care only about results, regardless of how they are achieved, and 14% feel their efforts to follow safety procedures go unrecognized. This creates a culture where productivity is prioritized at the expense of safety.
Time Pressures Undermine Training and Maintenance
Seafarers also reported that time pressures directly impact critical safety measures. About 23% said they lacked sufficient time for training, while 32% revealed that maintenance and inspections were often deprioritized. Such compromises not only weaken safety culture but also increase the risk of operational failures.
The survey further highlighted that ships with poor work environments, including bullying, often displayed weaker safety practices—underscoring the link between well-being and risk management.
The study, presented by Safetec, stresses that the maritime industry must address these cultural shortcomings to achieve its zero-vision target of no fatalities or serious injuries. This means companies must lead by example, give equal weight to safety and efficiency, and create channels for seafarers’ feedback. Building a strong, supportive safety culture is essential to protecting lives at sea while sustaining operational excellence.
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Source: Safety4Sea
