In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Peter Broadhurst, senior vice president, safety and regulatory, Inmarsat Maritime, said the shipping industry’s struggles to overcome its most persistent safety challenges highlights the need for open reporting based on cultural change and modern technology.
According to data from The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2024, Inmarsat Maritime received 788 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress calls through its RescueNET and SafetyNET services in 2023. This was down 7.6 percent from 853 in 2022, although the number remained consistent with the average 799 calls registered per year through 2018 to 2023.
Additionally, Allianz Commercial’s Safety and Shipping Review 2024 stated that the number of reported shipping casualties or incidents remaining high in 2023 despite a slight decrease (three percent) compared to 2022.
Of the 2,951 incidents reported in 2023, more than half (1,587) were caused by machinery damage or failure – the cause of most incidents over the past decade.
Total vessel losses in 2023 (26) were down by over a third from 2022 (41), and their causes were sinking, grounding, and fire or explosion – consistent with the average top three since 2014.
The overall picture demonstrated that while the industry is gradually improving its safety record, more needs to be done to overcome the most persistent safety challenges.
Images credit: The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2024
What does open reporting based on cultural change and modern technology means?
The maritime industry is fiercely competitive, with charter and container rates tied to reputation and capability. This competition has traditionally fostered a reserved approach to reporting and data sharing. However, advances in technology have made data collection and usage more affordable and accessible, presenting an opportunity for the industry to evolve.
By sharing data, we can identify areas for improvement and proactively enhance safety for crews, vessels, and the environment. Establishing benchmarks will allow us to track progress, boost industry-wide standards, and instill confidence in our current and future seafarers.
To achieve this, we need a cultural shift towards data sharing. Other industries have already embraced this proactive approach, and it is time for maritime to follow suit.
What could explain the trend of 799 distress calls per year from 2018 to 2023?
Without additional data sets for comparison, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons for the consistent rates. This is why Inmarsat is calling for industry-wide collaboration on data sharing, even if it is anonymized. The current trend is concerning, as we would expect yearly fluctuations and a downward trend if safety measures were proactively addressed.
By pooling our data, we aim to gain deeper insights into the underlying causes. Some potential factors highlighted in our report Future of Maritime Safety Report include an ageing fleet, route changes, and extreme weather events. These could contribute to an increase in incidents, even as tonnage losses per year show a downward trend.
What skills do seafarers need to mitigate safety challenges?
The welfare of the crew has never been more crucial. With reduced crewing levels and extended service periods, pressures on crew members and officers are significant. While their technical skills remain essential, what urgently needs to evolve is the support provided to them.
Onboard, it is vital to ensure access to proper nutrition, exercise facilities, and the internet for social support. Crew members should also be trained in mental health awareness and peer support.
However, this support must extend beyond the vessel. Ship managers, flag states, and industry bodies need to adopt a holistic approach to crew welfare, ensuring that today’s and future crews can operate safely and are appropriately rewarded — physically, emotionally, and financially.
Photo credit: Inmarsat Maritime. Peter Broadhurst, senior vice president, safety and regulatory, Inmarsat Maritime.
