Discover the top 12 professional mistakes seafarers should avoid, with real-life incidents and lessons learned. Enhance safety, compliance, and teamwork with this essential guide for maritime professionals.
Why This Topic Matters in Modern Maritime Operations
A ship may be made of steel, powered by engines, and directed by GPS, but it is run by people. Despite advanced automation, human error remains one of the leading causes of maritime accidents globally. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), over 75% of shipping-related incidents are attributed to human factors—from miscommunication and fatigue to procedural lapses and negligence.
Avoiding mistakes at sea is not just about following rules. It’s about cultivating a culture of safety, professionalism, and accountability. This article explores 12 of the most common professional mistakes made by seafarers—along with real incidents, analysis, and prevention strategies.
Failure to Follow Standing Orders and Night Orders
Even the most skilled officers must never ignore the Captain’s standing and night orders. These instructions are often based on risk assessments and port-specific knowledge.
Real Incident (MAIB Report, 2020): A bridge officer on a bulk carrier deviated from the passage plan and failed to inform the Master during restricted visibility. The vessel grounded in a designated no-go area, resulting in hull damage and detention.
Lesson: Always read and sign the night orders. If unsure, clarify with the Master. Never make assumptions on your own.
Poor Watchkeeping Practices
Watchkeeping is about more than being awake. It requires situational awareness, anticipation, and communication.
Real Incident (TSB Canada, 2019): A watch officer alone on the bridge of a container ship fell asleep during his watch. The vessel crossed into another shipping lane, narrowly avoiding a collision with a car carrier.
Lesson: Always maintain a proper lookout. Use bridge alarms. If fatigued, inform your superior. Bridge Resource Management (BRM) principles must be applied at all times.
Incomplete Safety Checks and Pre-Departure Routines
Checklists are not just paperwork—they are life-saving tools. Failing to verify systems, alarms, and escape routes before departure puts lives and cargo at risk.
Real Incident (Paris MoU PSC Detention, 2022): A general cargo ship was detained after departure because emergency lighting and fire detection systems were not operational. Crew admitted skipping checks due to “time pressure.”
Lesson: Safety routines must not be compromised for deadlines. Class societies and flag states can impose heavy fines or detentions for negligence.
Misunderstanding or Ignoring ISM/ISPS Procedures
The International Safety Management (ISM) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Codes are not just for audits. They are active safety and security systems.
Real Incident (Port of Singapore, 2021): A crew member disembarked without notifying the Ship Security Officer (SSO). The ship was flagged for ISPS non-compliance and delayed.
Lesson: Familiarize yourself with your company’s Safety Management System (SMS). Log all security drills and access control events.
Overreliance on Automation
Electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), autopilot, and GPS are invaluable. But total reliance can lead to disaster when systems fail or provide incorrect input.
Real Incident (UKHO ECDIS Warning, 2018): A vessel collided with a pier due to incorrect chart scale selection on ECDIS. The officer failed to verify with radar or visual bearings.
Lesson: Use redundancy. Cross-check with radar, paper charts (if available), and manual calculations.
Inadequate Communication Among Crew
Language barriers, rank differences, or assumptions can disrupt vital communication during operations like mooring, cargo handling, or emergencies.
Real Incident (DNV Safety Alert, 2020): A fatal injury occurred during mooring operations because the AB was unaware of the winch operation being activated. The bridge team had not communicated with the forward station.
Lesson: Use standardized maritime English and closed-loop communication. Tools like SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases) are essential.
Not Reporting Near Misses or Unsafe Conditions
Reporting is not about blame—it’s about preventing accidents. Yet, many seafarers fear consequences or feel it’s unnecessary.
Real Incident (Company Safety Audit, 2022): A near-miss involving a slipping scaffold was not reported. Weeks later, a similar scaffold collapsed, injuring a fitter.
Lesson: Report near misses through the official channel. It builds a proactive safety culture and can lead to hazard elimination.
Complacency During Routine Operations
Familiarity can be dangerous. Seafarers often get injured or make mistakes during tasks they do daily.
Real Incident (MAIB Safety Digest, 2023): An oiler burned his hand while draining an air compressor. He failed to wear gloves, assuming it was “just another drain.”
Lesson: Always follow PPE and toolbox talk guidelines, regardless of how routine a task feels.
Inadequate Risk Assessment Before High-Risk Tasks
Risk assessments are not box-ticking exercises. Without proper evaluation, control measures are likely to be weak or missing.
Real Incident (AMSA Investigation, 2020): A welder suffered serious burns in the engine room during hot work. No hot work permit had been issued, and the ventilation was inadequate.
Lesson: Always perform a task-specific risk assessment. Involve all team members. Use checklists and permits to verify safety.
Bypassing Safety Devices or Alarms
Temporarily disabling a sensor, overriding alarms, or silencing buzzers for convenience is a dangerous habit.
Real Incident (Lloyd’s Register, 2019): A vessel’s main engine shut down at sea. Investigation showed that a crew member had bypassed the low-lube oil pressure alarm earlier to avoid nuisance alarms.
Lesson: Never tamper with safety systems. If there’s a false alarm, fix the sensor—don’t disable it.
Poor Documentation and Logkeeping
Accurate logs are vital for navigation, maintenance, legal defense, and incident investigation. Vague or back-dated entries are not just unprofessional—they’re illegal.
Real Incident (PSC Tokyo MoU, 2022): A ship was detained when multiple entries in the engine logbook were identical across days. The crew admitted they were copied to save time.
Lesson: Logbooks must be updated truthfully and in real time. Falsifying records can lead to dismissal or prosecution.
Ignoring Mental Health and Crew Welfare
Fatigue, anxiety, and isolation impact decision-making and teamwork. Yet, they are often brushed aside in favour of “getting the job done.”
Real Incident (ITF Report, 2021): A junior officer suffered a panic attack during a navigational emergency. He had been working 12-hour shifts without rest, and had shown earlier signs of stress.
Lesson: Mental health is part of operational readiness. Use support services, and encourage open discussion of stress and fatigue onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do seafarers make these mistakes even with training?
Because real-world pressure, fatigue, and overconfidence often override training. Culture, communication, and company support are key.
How can companies reduce human errors onboard?
Through strong safety culture, frequent drills, transparent reporting systems, and well-being support.
Are these mistakes more common in junior or senior crew?
They can happen at any rank. Complacency and overconfidence affect seniors, while lack of experience affects juniors.
What regulations guide seafarer conduct and responsibility?
STCW, SOLAS, ISM Code, and company-specific SMS all contain behavioral expectations and safety protocols.
How are real incidents reported and shared?
Through IMO’s GISIS system, MAIB, AMSA, TSB Canada, and other national investigation bodies. Companies also publish internal safety bulletins.
Conclusion: From Mistake to Mastery
Mistakes at sea are inevitable—but repeating them is not. Each real-life incident carries a lesson that can save lives, ships, and careers. As technology evolves and ships become smarter, the human element remains both the strongest asset and the weakest link.
Seafarers must remain alert, self-aware, and committed to learning. Professionalism at sea is not about being perfect. It’s about making the right choices when it counts.
References
- IMO. (2023). Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). https://gisis.imo.org
- MAIB. (2023). Safety Digests and Reports. https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports
- TSB Canada. (2019). Marine Occurrence Database. https://www.tsb.gc.ca
- Paris MoU. (2022). Port State Control Inspection Reports. https://www.parismou.org
- DNV. (2020). Mooring Safety Alert. https://www.dnv.com
- Lloyd’s Register. (2019). Marine Safety Insights. https://www.lr.org
- AMSA. (2020). Investigation Reports. https://www.amsa.gov.au
- ITF Seafarers. (2021). Mental Health and Welfare at Sea. https://www.itfseafarers.org