Challenging the captain’s call: A vital peek into maritime safety practices on superyachts

The shimmering world of superyachts belies a lurking danger beneath the surface. A recent incident underscored this starkly, bolstering voices that demand a revamped safety culture within the maritime industry. Here’s the story: A radio dropped into the waters off a small motor yacht’s stern, right under the propellers. The captain, evidently eager to retrieve the device, ordered a crew member to dive for it. The only hiccup? The process required a work permit— a protocol the captain dismissed with a wave of his hand, demanding evidence of such a law.

Consulting the COSWP or reaching out to a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) aren’t checkboxes to blindly tick but provide essential guidelines for efficient and secure operations. The stop-work authority represents a crucial tool for risk assessment and management, but without a robust safety culture, these mechanisms often go underutilized.

Diving at Work Regulations highlight the need for a risk assessment ahead of diving operations. A dive permit serves to ensure that all health and safety risks have been evaluated thoroughly and mitigation protocols are in place. This mandate isn’t based solely on preventing physical injury but forms part of the broader ethos of a safe and secure maritime industry.

While most superyacht crew members hold a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification, this in no way makes them immune to the risks present. It only underscores the pressing need for captains to acknowledge their responsibility in ensuring all onboard safety protocols are duly followed.

In the final analysis, the maritime industry finds itself at crossroads, balancing regulatory adherence with practical applications. Striking the right chord will require a mix of robust enforcement and cultivating a culture of safety, which begins at the top and gradually permeates down. While change may be slow, each step counts towards creating safer waters for all who navigate them.