Ship Accident Rates Steady But Enclosed Space Casualties Double, InterManager Reports

According to InterManager’s latest statistics reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ship accidents are not decreasing.

Despite consistent injury rates from falls and rescue craft accidents, the Association warns that casualties from enclosed space accidents have nearly doubled.

InterManager provided comprehensive figures spanning several decades to the 10th session of the IMO’s Sub-committee on implementing IMO Instruments, held from July 22 to 26 in London.

The data includes enclosed space accidents from 1996 to May 1, 2024, fall accidents from 2012 to May 1, 2024, and rescue and survival craft accidents from 1980 to May 1, 2024.

The Association gathered this information from various validated data feeds, citing an extended delay between accident occurrences, investigations, and reporting in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System’s Marine Casualties and Incidents (MCI) module.

InterManager highlighted that reducing this gap would improve analysis and safety measures.

A lack of transparency and unwillingness to share accident reports undermines industry statistics, causing issues with accurate accident reporting.

InterManager also pointed out that many fall accidents aboard ships are not documented in GISIS or other databases despite being reported on ship-specific websites and regional media.

Furthermore, countless enclosed space accidents at ship repair yards have not been reported to GISIS.

Enclosed Space Accidents:

The annual trend for enclosed space accidents has stabilized, with a significant decrease during the global pandemic in 2021.

However, despite similar occurrences, the number of casualties in 2023 doubled from 2022, with 34 in 2023 compared to 18 in 2022.

66% of those who lost their lives in enclosed space incidents were members of the ship’s management team (chief engineer, chief officer, master, and second engineer), while 6% were cadets or trainees.

Fall Accidents

Fall accidents have remained steady over the last five years, varying from 44 to 52 per year.

From January 1 to May 1, 2024, 18 fall accidents were documented in GISIS. From 2012 to May 1, 2024, the percentage of fall accidents by ship type and location stayed constant.

Seafarers operating aloft or on the ship’s side have the highest accident rate at 55%, followed by non-ship officers (22%) and ship officers (23%).

Rescue and Survival Craft Accidents:

Data on rescue and survival craft accidents, which include all types of cruise ships, commercial ships, naval vessels, oil rigs, supply boats, and tugs, reveal that only 19% of the 538 incidents since 1980 have been documented in GISIS.

Lifeboat handling during drills and launches remains a severe accident risk.

InterManager acknowledges the IMO’s efforts to prevent lifeboat accidents by revised recommendations and resolutions, such as MSC 544(107), adopted on June 8, 2023.

InterManager strongly suggests that specific operation categories, such as enclosed space, fall, personal transfer, lifeboat and mooring, be included in GISIS and other industry databases.

This feature will assist regulators in reviewing procedures, improving safety, and minimizing accidents.

The InterManager Secretary General, Captain Kuba Szymanski, stated that safety is crucial for InterManager members, and establishing a thriving safety culture is essential to their General Principles of Conduct and Action.

Gathering the data on behalf of the industry allows them to provide proactive assistance on several critical safety concerns, and they are glad that the IMO and other industry stakeholders are utilizing them to protect the lives of seafarers.

Reference: InterManager

Marine Insight Academy

Online courses for the Maritime industry!

Enroll For Maritime Courses

• 100 + Free & Premium Courses
• Learn at your own speed
• Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
• Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
• Interactive videos

Take Maritime Courses

Marine Insight Academy

Enroll For Maritime Courses

• 100 + Free & Premium Courses
• Learn at your own speed
• Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
• Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
• Interactive videos

Take Maritime Courses

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

Read More Articles By This Author >