Marshall Islands Issues Advisory Safety Measures for Yacht Crews to Combat Fatal Falls

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has issued a critical advisory to address the alarming rise in fatalities caused by falls from height aboard yachts and vessels registered under the RMI flag. 

The advisory, released on 23rd December 2024, addressed the urgency of implementing stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents.

Since 2019, falls from height have emerged as the leading cause of very serious marine casualties (VSMCs) on RMI-flagged vessels, accounting for 31% of these severe incidents. 

The stark statistics reveal the gravity of the situation, with 22 lives lost due to falls from height, 11 of which occurred in the past two years alone. 

In response to the rising fatalities, the RMI Maritime Administrator has provided guidance to mitigate the risks associated with falls from height. Yacht owners and their representatives are advised to review and, if necessary, amend onboard safety procedures. 

These practices must align with the RMI Yacht Code (MI-103) and specifically address task- and location-based risks of falls.

Masters are encouraged to organise special safety meetings with the crew to discuss the advisory's findings and recommendations. The aim is to raise awareness of the risks associated with working at height and to ensure all crew members understand and adhere to fall prevention measures.

The advisory also recommends displaying an attached Safety Flyer on falls in high-traffic areas of the vessel.

The Maritime Administrator stresses the importance of consistently wearing appropriate fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lifelines, or fall arrest devices, whenever there is a risk of falling.

In cases of uncertainty, crew members are instructed to stop, ask, and report to prevent fatal accidents. By prioritising safety and adhering to these recommendations, yacht owners, operators, and crews can work together to significantly reduce the risks of fatalities due to falls from height. 

The call to action is clear: proactive engagement and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential in safeguarding lives and ensuring the smooth operation of RMI-flagged vessels.
 

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