In 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has placed a strong emphasis on safety in the maritime industry. The IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim declared ‘Navigating the future: safety first!’ as its theme, highlighting the need to improve crew safety in the face of technological change and disruption.
The European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) Annual Overview of Marine Casualties and Incidents 2023 reported 23,814 incidents between 2014 and 2022, with an average of more than 2,500 incidents per year. Although safety initiatives have made progress in reducing serious casualties, the industry still faces the challenge of ensuring the safety of those working within it.
Ship agents play a crucial role in this effort, with initiatives like GAC’s ‘safe boarding initiative’ focusing on safety and compliance. It provides safety training for boarding officers and crew, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe working environment.
The advancement of digitalization and automation has also contributed to improving safety and security in the industry. Technologies such as drones for delivery and online vessel clearance help reduce the need for personnel to board vessels, thus minimizing offshore safety hazards. Furthermore, digital tools can promote awareness of health, safety, security, and environmental compliance, as well as cyber security.
It’s essential to adapt to change, particularly in the context of adopting new fuels and engine types to meet decarbonization targets. The industry must apply lessons learned from the past to address potential new dangers and challenges. Economic sanctions and geopolitical upheaval require companies to be flexible and prioritize safety through experienced personnel and a culture of vigilance.
Shanka Fernando, GAC’s Group Vice President – Shipping, emphasized the need to make “safety first” the priority for all in the global shipping community. Through collaboration and the integration of technological solutions, the industry can work towards making maritime safety a reality.
Source:
Author: Shanka Fernando
Publication: Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
Website: www.hellenicshippingnews.com
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