MAIB report for 2023 reveals safety issues within the maritime sector

The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report for 2023, which reveals a continued upward trend in the total annual number of maritime incidents. Amy Field reports

The 2023 report saw a total number of 1,592 incidents, compared with 1,263 in 2022, including 17 classed as 'very serious' due to loss of life.

While 2023 has seen a high number of total incidents, the number classed as 'serious' or 'very serious' is broadly comparable to other years. While most maritime incidents are minor, 2023 has seen a higher level of non-life-threatening injuries sustained by crew and passengers onboard large ships. Most notably, 2023 saw the propulsion failure of the Saga Cruise liner 'Spirit of Discovery', causing over 100 elderly passengers to sustain injuries. This incident is still under investigation.

Additionally, 2023 saw an unusually high number of grounding incidents involving merchant ships, more than double that of 2022. As a result, most injuries sustained by crewmembers have been due to external physical factors rather than heavy bodily stress, with the crewmembers most affected being service staff.  

From the body of MAIB reports available over the past 5 years, service staff are among those most likely to sustain injury in incidents involving grounding or loss of control.

Since 2020, the rate of injuries sustained by service staff has increased dramatically, even while accounting for the effect of the pandemic, coinciding with an increase in incidents related to grounding or loss of control.

The report for 2023 has also flagged two incidents, both involving loss of life, as particularly significant for the maritime industry, even while pending investigation. The first is the girting of the tug vessel ‘Biter’, resulting in two fatalities. The report flags this incident as indicative of issues around ensuring that all crewmembers have comprehensive training within a rapidly changing maritime industry.

The other involved a collision between two vessels on the busy German Bight traffic separation scheme, resulting in the death of 5 crew onboard the 'Verity', a general cargo vessel. Although the incident is, again, yet to be fully investigated, the report flags the planned passing distance as a contributory factor.

Investigations

MAIB investigates maritime accidents involving either British vessels or other vessels within British waters. These investigations look to obtain a full understanding of the circumstances of accidents and then, if needed, issue safety recommendations directed toward the relevant bodies involved. 2023 was the first year in which MAIB data was made publicly available online via the MAIB data portal.

Several of the recommendations made this year will be of particular interest to Nautilus members and point to wider issues within the maritime sector. In recent years, members have reported widespread issues around safe crewing levels, leading to excessive working hours, and fatigue. Of the specific incident reports released in 2023, two, the BBC Marmara and the Scot Carrier identify poor crewing levels as a contributory factor to a serious maritime incident.

Additionally, reports around operators employing 'fake pilots' without sufficient qualifications have become increasingly common within the industry. Several of the incidents discussed within the 2023 annual report, such as the grounding of the general cargo vessel BBC Marmara, reference the issue of insufficiently trained navigational operatives.

Do you feel unsafe?

Seafaring is often a dangerous profession. However, under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) you have the right to work on a safely and securely operated ship.

The MLC contains specific guidance around occupational health and safety which covers maritime accident prevention. When on board, you should be made aware of the process for reporting unsafe working conditions.

Accidents and incidents should be reported by the ship's master to the MAIB. If you are worried about reporting potential safety issues, you can get in touch with Nautilus via your industrial organizer, who can help support you in the complaints procedure.

Access the MAIB investigations portal here.