Vessels are getting more efficient and navigation technology more advanced. These translate into shorter voyages. For crew members, there’s a lot of pressure to complete the required tasks within a shorter time frame. In the rush, there is more room for certain safety protocols to be overlooked.

The systems onboard have become more complex. The implementation of decarbonisation technologies, such as scrubbers, exhaust gas cleaning systems, or ballast water treatment systems, and complying with emissions regulations means more is required of seafarers. The same skillset that had kept them safe and effective is no longer adequate and will need to be enhanced.

Communication technology such as Wi-Fi is a double-edged sword. It provides comfort and joy for crew members. Thanks to WiFi, the gap between sea and shore is reduced almost instantaneously. But personal mobiles can be a source of distraction and danger if not managed adequately.

It’s important to get people involved. Give them a sense of ownership so it’s visible that “safety is everyone’s business.” Promote a behaviour or mindset through campaigns, slogans, and mottos. This strengthens the team or company’s identity. Its members would be proud to say, “This is what we do here.” Involve senior leaders whose endorsement of the safety agenda is very important. We must be creative in our methods. This is a battle for hearts and minds, to win people over to a cause.

Our CEO sends messages to ships. One spokesperson is not enough—we have a safety mascot, Wilma. Its attributes are immediately relatable—an aquatic animal (Octopus) with many arms symbolising the multitasking workforce. We use it to communicate to officers and crew the importance of putting safety first, ahead of the many things they juggle. We organise hazard hunts, a very popular activity, and give prizes for some of the best submissions. This is a good way to involve people in playing a part in safety while having fun in the process.

In our experience, staff retention is beneficial towards sustaining safety culture. Staff who have been in the company longer can guide the newcomers. They contribute very useful insights, especially when it comes to planning drills.

Cliched though it may sound, prevention is better than cure. Accidents are costly, and losses of lives and limbs are irreversible. We would want to avoid them as best we can. The identification and removal of hazards is proactive compared with the attitude “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” Staff should not be reprimanded for reporting near misses they encounter or for speaking up about unsafe conditions such as breaches in the administration of hours of work and rest.

Complacency is an enemy. Danger strikes when you let off your guard. If you plan to enter the cargo hold without your PPE (personal protective equipment) this time because there had been no untoward incidents hitherto, think again. Whether it’s PPE or safety belts in cars, the risk of omission is just not worth taking.      

The most impactful of behaviours is done voluntarily when no one is looking. When crew members go on shore leave, we send them safety tips and good practices. If they do their part in internalising the discipline and responsible behaviours, their well-being is protected wherever they go. When the time comes for the next assignment, it’s easier to rejoin and settle in.