Vessel checks reveal multiple safety concerns

The Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has analysed 1,611 small workboat inspection reports to discover that 9% of them did not have adequately controlled confined space entry; 12% did not inspect pilot ladders before use; 10% had no procedures on chemical and flammable materials handling; 7% of vessel operators did not carry out technical inspections; and 11% had no cyber security measures in place.

Five per cent did not have sufficient medical supplies on board, the report says.

The inspection results, which were collected up to April 2024 and uploaded to IMCA’s Common Marine Inspection Documents for Small Workboats (eMISW), are freely available on the IMCA website.

Of particular concern to IMCA Marine and Quality manager Mark Ford is the entry into confined spaces figure.

“In last year’s analysis, we highlighted controlled entry into confined spaces as one of the major safety concerns, and we’re disappointed to see a similar trend in this year’s analysis,” he said.

“From the beginning of all seafarers’ basic training, we are instructed on the hazards and procedures around confined spaces, yet sadly we are continuing to hear of unnecessary fatalities.

“No one should lose their life doing their job, however more than 300 are known to have died in enclosed spaces on ships since 1996, including 31 in 2023.

“IMCA will be working with stakeholders across the industry to raise awareness, improve processes, and, of course, will continue to share the lessons learned from incidents via our Safety Flash reporting system.”

IMCA publishes an extensive technical library of guidance documents on operational good practice, safety promotional materials, timely information notes and safety flashes.

Its four main divisions are Offshore Diving, Marine (including an Offshore Renewable Energy Committee), Remote Systems & ROVs, and Offshore Surveying.