Isle of Man casualty report highlights persistent risks to seafarers

September 29 ------ The Isle of Man Ship Registry’s Annual Summary of Casualties, Accidents and Incidents on Isle of Man Registered Vessels for 2025 has highlighted recurring risks to seafarers, with personal injury and machinery/equipment failures among the most common occurrences reported during the year.

The report recorded 53 incidents, 15 accidents and five casualty reports involving Isle of Man-registered vessels in 2025. There was one fatality, 10 serious injuries and 21 minor injuries reported during the year. Of these, MLC seafarers accounted for one fatality, seven serious injuries and 12 minor injuries, while non-MLC seafarers suffered three serious and nine minor injuries.

Mooring operations were the most common activity reported on Accident Report Forms (ARFs), while moving about the vessel and mooring operations resulted in some of the most severe injuries. The report also identified periods of no activity and maneuvering operations as particularly dangerous periods for seafarers.

The Registry found that the most common root causes were procedural and operational factors and human factors. However, the findings show that casualties often result from a combination of human, operational, technical, environmental and organizational factors rather than a single cause.

The most common causes identified under the different causal factors were:

• Workplace and ergonomic factors: Slippery or uneven floors and awkward or inaccessible equipment.

• Procedural and operational factors: Failure to comply with safe working practices.

• Management systems factors: Inadequate processes and inadequate supplies of spares or equipment.

• Machinery and equipment factors: Machinery/equipment breakdown and electrical installation failures or inadequacies.

• Human factors: Poor judgement and decision-making, unsafe acts and negligence.

• External factors: Navigational hazards and tides/currents.

Personal injury and machinery failures

Personal injury was the most frequently reported occurrence in 2025. The Registry noted that, despite the importance of comprehensive risk assessments and clear plans of work, many injuries appeared to involve momentary lapses in judgement or failures to follow standard procedures.

The Registry also highlighted an increase in machinery and equipment failures, stressing the importance of effective planned maintenance, thorough inspections and prompt rectification of defects. Critical equipment should be maintained in line with manufacturers’ recommendations and statutory requirements, while emerging defects should be addressed before they develop into more significant failures affecting vessel or crew safety.

Mooring remains a key risk

The report specifically highlighted the risks associated with mooring and anchoring, where substantial forces and stored energy in mooring lines and associated equipment can result in serious injuries.

The Registry recommends regular inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment to identify wear, damage and deterioration. It cautioned that reliance solely on manufacturers’ recommended replacement intervals may not be sufficient, as the marine environment can accelerate degradation and affect the performance and service life of ropes and associated components.

Crew involved in mooring operations should receive appropriate training and understand the associated hazards, while snap-back zones should be clearly marked and included in pre-operation toolbox talks, the Registry said.

Safety culture remains central

The 2025 findings reinforce that effective planning, maintenance, clear procedures, communication and ongoing training remain essential to preventing casualties.

The Registry also called on companies to provide personnel with the tools, resources and support needed to work safely, while encouraging seafarers to actively identify hazards, report concerns and learn from incidents and near misses.

The report ultimately stresses the importance of a proactive approach to risk management and a strong safety culture, with safe working practices and established procedures followed consistently to reduce the likelihood and consequences of future casualties.

Source: safety4sea.com