SAFE T Y


Briefings


Marshall Islands issues fatal falls from height warning


The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has published Yacht Safety Advisory 13-24 on fatalities due to falls from height.


Marshall Islands publishes Blue Cecil report after enclosed space entry deaths


The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has released its report into the deaths of three crewmembers on bulk carrier Blue Cecil in 2023. The vessel’s C/E, ETO and Fitter died after they were found unconscious inside of Cargo Hold No. 1. Despite a rescue attempt, with all three being recovered from the hold, they were unresponsive and did not respond to CPR. A post-mortem examination by the Philippine authorities determined their deaths was “asphyxia by suffocation.”


The following lessons learned were identified: a) Entering a loaded cargo hold without authorization and without following established shipboard enclosed space entry and rescue procedures is extremely hazardous and should not be attempted.


b) Physical boundaries are critical for preventing unauthorized access into an enclosed space.


c) Enclosed space rescue procedures must be properly practiced and drills conducted as if they were a real emergency.


d) Stop-work authority can prevent marine casualties. For stop- work authority to be effective, crewmembers must not only be aware that they have this authority, but they must also have confidence that the authority is non-negotiable and can be exercised without fear of repercussion. They must also be as familiar with how to issue and respond to a stop-work action or instruction as they are with their other shipboard duties.


The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator’s marine safety investigation determined that the C/E, ETO, and Fitter had entered Cargo Hold No. 1 to recover the welding cable and other tools 9 without complying with the Company’s enclosed space entry procedures despite the Bosun’s prior warning to the C/E that it was dangerous and required permission from the Master.


Read the Blue Cecil report in full at https://bit.ly/4jl2HJr. 30 | ISSUE 111 | MAR 2025 | THE REPORT


Since 2019, falls from height on RMI-flagged commercial vessels have been the leading very serious marine casualty (VSMC) by incident type. It accounts for 31% of VSMCs and has resulted in 22 deaths. In the last two years, 11 seafarers have died falling from height. The maritime authority has stressed the importance of wearing fall protection equipment when a risk of falling from height exists.


Recommendations: • The Administrator strongly recommends that the owner or the owner’s representative review and amend, as necessary, onboard safe working practices to ensure they comply with the requirements outlined in the RMI Yacht Code (MI-103). The review should take into account task and location specific safety assessments addressing the risk of falling.


• Masters should hold a special safety meeting to review and discuss the information provided in this Yacht Safety Advisory and attached Safety Flyer on Falls to ensure that risks of falling from height are adequately understood.


• It is also recommended to display the accompanying Safety Flyer on Falls on board in areas where yacht crew are likely to interact with it daily.


Download the advisory and flyer at https://bit.ly/4jrSqv9.


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