Maritime Safety Guide
Nearly all world industries rely heavily on maritime shipping. Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon once stated, “Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade and the global economy.” Maritime shipping is also considered one of the safest and most environmentally-friendly modes of goods transportation.
Due to the vastness of the oceans, safety has always been foundational to the shipping industry. The shipping industry was one of the first industries to implement comprehensive international safety standards set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This maritime safety guide condenses the many rules and regulations ensuring safety across marine waterways.
What is Maritime Safety?
Maritime safety is the collection of measures to protect life and property at sea. Specifically, the guidelines come from the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). SOLAS provisions range from setting the frequency of ship inspections to implementing approved life-saving appliances.
Crewmember training and certifications also ensure that sailors follow best practices and protocols at sea. IMO generally oversees international shipping safety matters, but the organization is also responsible for preventing marine and atmospheric pollution.
Risks Faced by Maritime Workers
Maritime workers are exposed to many risks while on duty. According to the CDC, the marine transportation industry recorded 87 fatal injuries between 2011-2017, almost six times the rate of all U.S. workers. During the same period, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows 11,000 non-fatal maritime injuries.
The main risks faced by maritime workers include:
Accidents
Life at sea is unpredictable and often dangerous. Maritime workers can have life-threatening accidents every day while at work. Poorly placed objects on the ship’s decks can cause obstruction or slip and fall injuries.
Respiratory diseases and cancer
Maritime workers are often exposed to fumes, asbestos, heavy metals, and solvents, leaving them vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Shipyard workers and welders are at high risk for cancer due to airborne hazardous materials in their workplaces. Long-term workers and Navy veterans also face an increased risk of mesothelioma from past asbestos exposure.
Fires and explosions
Fires and explosions can cripple a vessel, causing the loss of life, property, and goods. In the enclosed spaces of a ship, fire can spread rapidly. Fire prevention, detection, and extinction regulations seek to avoid total devastation, but accidents can still happen.
Falling objects
Extreme temperatures
Exposure to extreme temperatures on a ship can cause fatigue, dehydration, high body temperature, and hypothermia.
Maritime Safety Rules and Standards
The STCW Standard of Training, certification, and watch-keeping regulates the level of competence crew members need to join merchant vessels. The STCW entails training and certification, adherence to standard hours of work and rest, medical requirements, and more. The convention is a must-read for all maritime personnel. Its maritime safety rules and standards include:
Maritime Safety Rules and Standards
International Safety Management Code
The regulations list safe management practices to ensure maritime safety and prevent pollution. It’s a foundational code of the SOLAS Convention, which regulates the safe management of shipping operations. It’s also an essential code for shipping owners, operators, companies, and maritime institutions.
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Life-Saving Appliance Code ( LSA)
Procedure For Port State Control
Fire Test Procedures
Cargo Security and Storage Code
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code and Supplement
Load Lines Convection
International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR)
The Civil Aviation Organization and International Maritime Organization jointly publish a manual of mobile facility emergency search and rescue procedures. The manual should be on board all ships.
Collision Regulation ( COLREG)
MARPOL Code
Trespassing
Terror attacks
Illegal maritime trade like fishing
Piracy
Human trafficking
Environmental pollution
Thievery
Cyberattacks
Poor equipment
Global warming
Smart contract hacking
Maritime cloud vulnerability
Social engineering attacks
Taking Maritime Safety Seriously
Some of the tasks that the VSO is responsible for, include:
- Training the crew for emergency situations
- Reporting and responding to security incidents onboard
- Regular vessel inspections and recommendations for modification and repair
- Monitoring and overseeing security equipment and procedures
- Managing the coordination and movement of cargo
Safety Tips for Workers
To ensure a safe sail, here are some helpful tips:
Safety Tips for Workers
Encourage situational awareness, staying alert to the ship environment.
Ensure good visibility and be attentive when moving cargo or when lifting equipment.
Report any mechanical malfunctions, electrical breakdowns, spills, or other abnormal incidents.
Always follow safety procedures. Wear recommended safety equipment, including helmets, shoes, goggles, etc.
Always ready yourself for work.
Report any illness. Do not work while injured, tired, or nauseous.
Learn maritime safety information from relevant training sessions.
Recreational Boating Safety
In addition to required safety gear, such as lifejackets, floatation devices, fire extinguishers, and visual and audible signaling devices, you should keep the following items on board in case of emergency.
Flashlight with batteries
First aid kit
Medication for motion sickness
Anchor with a line
Bucket for bailing water
Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio
Snorkeling mask
Paddles
Knife
According to U.S. Coast Guard-recognized boating education provider Boat Ed, most states don’t require boaters to possess a boater’s license to legally drive a boat. Instead, you’ll need a boater education card. You can obtain a boater education card by completing a boating safety course.
For state-specific boating laws and regulations, consult your state government’s website. The departments that govern boating laws go by different names in each state.
For example, In Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife is responsible for boating safety, whereas in California, boating regulations are handled by the California Division of Boating and Waterways.
And in New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation enforces boating navigation laws and keeps waterways safe for boaters who enjoy the $8 billion recreational boating industry.
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