InterManager, which represents ship managers and their crews, recently reported updated accident statistics to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The results showed consistency in some types of maritime accidents and injuries but a troubling uptick in deaths related to enclosed space accidents on ships.
Enclosed Space Accident Deaths Double
InterManager’s statistics reported to the IMO show that shipboard accidents are, unfortunately, not decreasing. The data showed that fall injuries and injuries resulting from rescue boats remained consistent over the years measured, 2012 to 2024 for the former and 1980 to 2024 for the latter.
Statistics on enclosed space accidents included information gathered from 1996 to May 2024. The number of incidents declined during the pandemic but stabilized from 2022 to 2023. Deaths caused by enclosed space accidents nearly doubled during this time, with 18 deaths in 2022 and 34 in 2023.
Interestingly, about two-thirds of the casualties involved masters, chief engineers, chief officers, or second engineers, or in other words, workers in leadership roles. Only about 6% of the fatalities were trainees on the job.
While the number of both fall accidents and rescue craft accidents remained consistent over the last few years, the organization sees room for safety improvements. Fall accidents consistently occur in the same areas of ships, which means they should be targeted for improved safety measures.
Lifeboat and rescue craft accidents also remained consistent over the study period. Many serious incidents occur during lifeboat and rescue drills. InterManager noted that IMO has made efforts to improve safety during drills by reviewing and changing recommendations for testing of lifeboats and rescue boats.
Lag in Accident Reporting
As part of its report, InterManager noted a troubling delay between when accidents occurred and when they were reported and called for better reporting methods and timelines. According to the group, shortening this lag would improve statistical reports and analyses that are vital to improving maritime safety.
InterManager found that rescue craft accidents were particularly lacking in the reporting. Only 19% of the incidents that occurred since 1980 were reported to and are available in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
Reporting Statistics to IMO
InterManager is the only organization that represents the people who manage ships and their crews. The group used decades of data to submit statistical reports to the 10th session of the Subcommittee on Implementation of IMO Instruments.
In addition to submitting information on accidents, the organization found issues with regular reporting of accidents. This included a lack of reporting on enclosed space accidents in shipyards. InterManager reported its findings with the recommendation that reporting be improved along with safety improvements for shipping workers. As part of its report, InterManager recommended that all incidents involving falls, enclosed spaces, and rescue crafts be reported promptly and be included in appropriate categories in the GISIS.
Reporting statistics is essential for making the maritime industry safer. Seeing accidents remain steady and deaths increase is disappointing from a safety perspective. Maritime workers are entitled to safer workplaces. Improvements in reporting should help make these jobs safer.