The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has published Yacht Safety Advisory 13-24 on fatalities due to falls from height.
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: Yacht Safety Advisory No. 13/24