Vessel hazards for marine contractors Stats and Facts

FACTS

Common vessel risks for marine contractors:

  1. Vessels are dynamic working environments with potential safety hazards. Risks include slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven surfaces, manual handling injuries when lifting or moving equipment.
  2. Marine contractors are exposed to the unpredictability of weather conditions, including storms, high winds, heavy rain, and rough seas. These conditions pose risks to vessel stability, and the safety of crew.
  3. Vessel collisions with other vessels, offshore structures, or natural obstacles can lead to significant damage, injuries, and environmental hazards.
  4. Malfunctions or failures of engines, propulsion systems, navigation equipment, and lifting apparatus can lead to accidents, delays, or damage to the vessel and its crew.
  5. Fires and explosions occur on vessels due to fuel leaks, or improper handling of flammable substances.
  6. Vessels have potential to cause pollution through fuel spills, oil leaks, or improper waste disposal.
  7. Long hours, irregular schedules, challenging work conditions contribute to fatigue-related incidents.
  8. Vessels and their crew may face security threats such as piracy, theft, or unauthorized access.

STATS

  • In 2020, 1386 cargo ships were involved in marine casualties resulting in 21 fatalities.
  • In 2019, 1382 cargo ships were involved in marine casualties that resulted in 19 fatalities.
  • Of the six crew fatalities, two vessel casualties accounted for two deaths each, and the other two deaths occurred in separate incidents.
  • There were 872 accidents involving 929 commercial vessels that involved actual or potential casualties to vessels.
  • 6 workers died in offshore rig accidents, representing an increase over previous years.
  • Rescuers have discovered 12 bodies believed to be crewmembers of the sunken offshore wind installation vessel.
  • Towing vessel incidents investigated by the Coast Guard were down 24% during 2017, according to an annual safety report from the Coast Guard and American Waterways Operators.
  • There were 934 towing vessel incidents reported to the Coast Guard in 2018, with 82% classified as low severity incidents. Medium and high severity incidents represented 10% and 8%, respectively. There was a 24% decrease in investigated towing vessel incidents.