Rising Enclosed Space Casualties Aboard Ships: A Critical Concern for Maritime Workers

**Increasing Enclosed Space Casualties Aboard Ships: A Growing Concern for Maritime Safety**

In a recent report, InterManager has highlighted a disturbing rise in enclosed space casualties aboard ships. This data has been submitted to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments, shedding light on the persistent and escalating dangers faced by seafarers.

Rising Maritime Accidents: An Alarming Trend

InterManager’s comprehensive data spans several decades up to May 2024 and covers various types of accidents, including enclosed space incidents, falls, and accidents involving rescue and survival craft. The statistics reveal a troubling trend: while injuries from falls and rescue craft accidents have remained relatively stable, the casualty rate for enclosed space accidents has nearly doubled.

Delays in Reporting and Transparency Issues

A significant issue highlighted by InterManager is the delay between the occurrence, investigation, and reporting of marine casualties in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). This lag impairs the industry’s ability to analyze and respond to safety concerns effectively. Additionally, a lack of transparency and hesitation to share accident data further undermines the accuracy of industry statistics.

Many fall accidents are not being recorded in GISIS or other accessible platforms, despite being reported on ship-specific websites and regional media. Enclosed space accidents in ship repair yards are also not currently required to report to GISIS, adding to the data gap.

Detailed Statistics on Maritime Accidents

Enclosed Space Incidents: The number of incidents remained constant at 14 for both 2022 and 2023, but casualties nearly doubled from 18 to 34. A significant 66% of these casualties involved ship leadership roles such as the master, chief engineer, chief officer, and second engineer. Cadets or trainees accounted for 6% of casualties.

Fall Accidents: Over the past five years, fall accidents have ranged from 44 to 52 annually. From January 1 to May 1, 2024, 18 fall accidents were recorded. Seafarers working from heights or over the ship’s side accounted for 55% of these incidents, while non-ship officers and ship officers made up 22% and 23%, respectively.

Rescue and Survival Craft Accidents: Data on these accidents covers all types of merchant ships, cruise ships, naval vessels, oil rigs, tugs, and supply boats. Out of 538 incidents (including 50 near misses) since 1980, only 19% are recorded in GISIS. Handling lifeboats during drills and launching remains a significant risk.

Recommendations for Improved Safety

We commend the IMO’s ongoing efforts to prevent lifeboat accidents and recommend expanding the data collection categories in GISIS to include specific operations such as enclosed space, fall, personal transfer, lifeboat, and mooring incidents. This comprehensive approach would enable regulators to review procedures, enhance safety measures, and minimize accidents.

InterManager’s findings underscore the critical need for timely and transparent reporting of maritime accidents to improve safety standards. By fostering a robust safety culture and leveraging comprehensive data, the maritime industry can better protect seafarers and mitigate the risks associated with enclosed spaces and other hazardous operations.

For more information on maritime safety and legal protections, visit us at maritimeaccidents.com or contact the Shlosman Law Firm directly at (504) 826-9427 for a free consultation. Stay safe, and remember, if something bad happens offshore, call us.