This year’s Maritime Safety Week 2021 from 5 to 9 July is an opportunity for all key organisations – including HM Coastguard, charities and port authorities – to share best safety practices and knowledge, and challenge each other to enhance their already rigorous standards.
With lockdown restrictions easing and more people than ever holidaying in the UK this year, keeping the public safe on our coast, lakes and waterways is paramount.
To mark the beginning of the fourth annual Maritime Safety Week, Maritime Minister Robert Courts visited the Port of London Authority (PLA) to see first-hand its maritime pilot training space and meet some of the pilots trained to board commercial vessels to ensure safe passage. The PLA manages 95 miles of the Thames and is the UK’s busiest waterway.
With lockdown restrictions lifting and more people holidaying in the UK this summer, exploring our exceptional coastline, lakes and waterways, this year, Maritime Safety Week has a particular focus on public safety with a drowning prevention roundtable and a visit to London Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre.
Maritime Minister Robert Courts said: “The UK has always been at the forefront of international maritime safety and, with more people than ever expected to be visiting our coastline and waterways this summer, it’s important that everyone knows how to stay safe and keep afloat. This is why, this year, we will be working with key maritime safety partners to boost funding for maritime safety campaign activity and keep the public safe. First launched in 2018, Maritime Safety Week takes place every July, highlighting the excellent work of the maritime sector to keep people safe on and around the water. By sharing best practice and driving continuous improvement, we can reinforce the UK’s position as a leader in maritime safety.”
Throughout the week, sector bodies will be highlighting the dangers of the maritime environment, helping to reduce preventable maritime accidents and taking stock of the fantastic and innovative work that is already being delivered.
During Maritime Safety Week 2021, the Minister will also be visiting a Royal Yachting Association training centre, promoting the availability of training courses in anticipation of a recreational watersports boom this year, and joining Trinity House on its inspection visit to see the vital role the General Lighthouse Authorities play in keeping the coasts safe.
Capt Andy Moll, MAIB Chief Inspector added, “As our recent Annual Report highlights, the industry continues to face a number of persistent safety challenges. For MAIB there are three main areas of concern that we’ll be highlighting as part of Maritime Safety Week 2021 along with reiterating the important safety learning uncovered through our investigations. We’ll be discussing safety issues involving ultra-large vessels and container ships; recreational craft and fishing vessel safety. I welcome the efforts being made by all parts of the industry this week to raise safety awareness through a variety of engaging events and I look forward to participating in constructive discussions with many industry colleagues.”