Inadequately Staffed Ships Pose Risk of Maritime Accidents
The Marine Accident investigation Branch (MAIB) is warning that too many merchant ships are sailing off Britain's coast with an insufficient amount of crew members, increasing the risk of maritime accidents.
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has highlighted the dangers of understaffing vessels in his introduction to the annual MAIB report, released yesterday. According to chief inspector Stephen Meyer, several vessels sail around the UK without crews sufficient to operate safely. Many ships neglect to have dedicated bridge lookout personnel, this often results in devastating accidents. in January 2008, a cargo ship ran aground in Northern Ireland. It turned out that the lookout officer had been asleep for at least three hours before the vessel ran aground.
According to the report, five merchant crewmen fatalities occurred last year, compared to twelve in 2007. Eight fishermen died in 2008, which was the same number as 2007. The report warns of complacency as a risk factor in maritime accidents. When crew members get familiar with their jobs, it leads to a sense of complacency, increasing the possibility of errors.
Adequate Amount of Seamen
Employers are required to have a sufficient amount of crew members on their vessel to enable safe operations. A shortage of staff could mean that seamen end up having to perform duties they are not trained for. Crew members may end up working excessively long hours because of staffing shortages, increasing their risk of injury.
In addition to maintaining an adequate number of crew members aboard the ship, employers are also required to make sure all workers are properly trained to perform their duties. When a seaman sustains injuries because of negligence or incompetence of a fellow worker, the employer can be liable for their injuries.
The maritime lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP represent victims injured in accidents involving cargo ships, cruise liners, towboats, commercial fishing vessels, offshore drilling platforms, and other Jones Act vessels.
