What would you do?
When a crew member goes missing it can be tragic and it’s an all-too-common occurrence in the maritime industry. Crew often face dangerous conditions while working long hours at sea, making them vulnerable to accidents and incidents that can result in their disappearance.
The safety and well-being of all crew members should always be a top priority for all operators, who must take all necessary precautions to ensure that their crew are protected while at sea.
No!
Crew members go missing simply because they are out of sight while working. The size of some vessels, combined with demanding nature of their jobs, often means that crew members can easily become separated from their colleagues without anyone noticing.
Whether it’s a deckhand working below deck, an engineer in the engine room, or a cook in the galley, there are countless places where someone could disappear from view.
Handrails are essential for providing stability and support while moving around on the vessel, especially in rough seas or inclement weather conditions. When handrails are not properly installed or maintained, people may be at risk of falling overboard when moving around the vessel.
Defective handrails may have rusted components, or weakened structures that can break under pressure. These issues can lead to dangerous situations where people lose their balance and fall overboard of injure themselves while trying to grab onto a faulty handrail.
The unpredictable nature of the ocean can make even routine tasks hazardous, and when conditions worsen, the risk of accidents and injuries increases exponentially. In the midst of a storm, with waves crashing over the deck and winds howling fiercely, it is all too easy for crew members to be swept overboard or injured while trying to secure equipment.
Despite rigorous safety protocols and training, the power of nature can sometimes overwhelm even the most experienced crew members. If a crew member goes missing during rough seas or severe weather, the situation becomes urgent and potentially life-threatening.
Search and rescue efforts must be launched immediately, but in such treacherous conditions, locating a single individual in the vast expanse of the ocean can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Failure to issue and maintain safety equipment on board can have serious consequences, particularly when it comes to the risk of crew members falling overboard. Without proper safety gear such as life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFD), crew members are left vulnerable to accidents that could result in injury or even death.
Regular maintenance of safety equipment is crucial to ensure that it functions properly when needed. A faulty life jacket could fail in an emergency situation, putting the lives of crew members at risk.
Alcohol intoxication can impair a person’s balance, coordination, and judgment, making them more susceptible to accidents and falls. Where crew members are constantly moving around on wet and slippery decks and working in close quarters with heavy equipment, the risk of falling overboard is already high.
Add alcohol into the mix, and the danger becomes even greater. If a crew member were to fall overboard while intoxicated, their chances of survival would be significantly decreased. They may not be able to swim or to stay afloat for long periods of time, especially if they are disoriented or unconscious. In addition, their impaired judgement could lead them to take unnecessary risks or make poor decisions that put themselves and others in danger.
The violent actions of a vessel’s crew can create a dangerous and unstable environment on board, physical altercations, aggressive behaviour, or negligence in following safety protocols can all contribute to accidents that result in crew members being swept off the deck and into the unforgiving waters below.
In the event of an emergency, every second counts, and a delay in initiating a search and rescue operation can result in crew members being lost at sea. Without proper training, equipment, and procedures in place, the chances of successfully locating and rescuing POB are significantly reduced. Inadequate search and rescue operations can also lead to confusion, miscommunication, and ultimately, the loss of valuable lives.
Fatigue and distraction are two common factors that can lead to crew members missing on board. When crew members are tired or not fully focused on their tasks, they may be more prone to making mistakes or overlooking important safety procedures. This can result in accidents or incidents that could potentially lead to a crew member going missing.
If you or one of your crew is fatigued from working long hours without adequate rest, they may not be as alert or responsive in emergency situations. This could increase the likelihood of them falling overboard or becoming lost at sea if they are not able to react quickly enough.
Similarly, distractions such as personal issues, conflicts with other crew members, or even just daydreaming can also contribute to a person going missing. If a crew member is preoccupied with something other than their duties on the vessel, they may not notice potential hazards or risks that could lead to an accident.
Inexperience can be a dangerous factor when it comes to working on a commercial vessel. Crew members who are new in the industry may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to handle the challenges that come with life at sea. This lack of experience can lead to mistakes being made, which could result in serious consequences for both the crew and the vessel.
One of the most concerning risks of inexperience is the potential for crew members to go missing. Without proper training and guidance, individuals may not know how to or respond effectively in emergency situations.
This can increase the likelihood of accidents occurring, such as falling overboard or becoming lost during rough weather conditions. Furthermore, inexperienced crew members may not fully understand the importance of following safety procedures on board. This can lead to negligence in wearing proper safety gear, securing equipment correctly, or communicating effectively with other crew members.
It can be scary and stressful to find out your crew member is missing while out at sea, but it is crucial to act quickly and efficiently to ensure their safety and well-being. We highly recommend you conduct a thorough search on the vessel as they could be working or sleeping out of plain sight, if the individual cannot be found on board alert the Master. They should contact RCC to report the missing person and will be able to provide assistance in coordinating search efforts.
Depending on the size of the vessel and available resources, search and rescue equipment such as a lifebuoy with a light or anything that floats should be deployed to aid in locating the missing person. If there are other boats in the vicinity notify them in case they may come across the missing individual.
When a crew member goes missing, it can be a stressful and worrying situation for everyone involved, here are some of our tips for handling the situation effectively.
Ensure your SMS has a procedure for Persons unaccountably missing.
It is crucial to remain calm and focused in order effectively search for the missing crew member as panicking will only hinder the search efforts and potentially put others at risk, make sure to start by conducting a thorough search of the entire vessel including all cabins, storage areas, and decks. Check any areas where the person may have fallen overboard, trapped, working or sleeping.
Notify RCC as soon as possible to report to report the missing crew member, provide them with all relevant information, such as the crew member’s name, description, last known location and any other pertinent details.
