UK MAIB issued its first Safety Digest of 2022, which contains valuable lessons learned from maritime incidents.
The new report contains accidents involving collisions, engine problems, explosions, and floodings all reported too often, which means seeing the same sorts of accidents time and time again.
The frequency of accidents that have occurred when a watchkeeper has decided to keep alert or awake by occupying themselves with their mobile phone, tablet or PC seems to be on the rise, probably because they are insufficiently engaged by their duties
said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents.
For this reason, Mr. Moll called for a cultural change to safety, saying that the role of the human in the digital workplace needs a serious rethink.
What is more, Bob Baker, Chief Harbour Master, Port of London Authority, added that the human interface and what can be described as human and organisational contributory factors constantly feature in incident reports.
In an industry that continues to introduce new procedures, processes, safety systems and technology, we still seem to fail when it comes to understanding the human element
This Safety Digest also includes the serious issue of pilot ladders, which according to Mr. Baker is a critical part of operations, particularly for pilots and port authorities.
In fact, pilot ladder deficiencies top Port of London’s incident report statistics by a considerable margin. However, after a long campaign involving all elements of the industry, there is a gradual improvement in the condition and rigging of pilot ladders.
Asking a pilot to step from a moving boat onto a rope ladder and climb up the side of a ship demands the highest standards of safety, without compromise
Finally, Bob Baker stated that as the concept of alternative fuels, autonomous vessels and artificial intelligence are coming over the horizon, ship personnel, VTS offcers, pilots, tug crews, harbour masters, etc., “must be trained and experienced enough to meet the challenges of this fast evolving industry.”
EXPLORE MORE AT UK MAIB’S SAFETY DIGEST FOR 2022
