CHIRP Maritime has released its 2024 Annual Digest containing all the reports which were published last year and other items of interest.
In 2024 CHIRP received over 200 reports from individuals and another 980 from maritime companies and other organisations.
Editor of the Annual Digest of Reports and Insight Articles 2024, Captain Alan Loynd, said, “Our reporters are the key to our success, and it is an honour to thank them on behalf of all our readers. When their reports are gathered together in this Annual Digest, it is obvious what a tremendous service they are performing for everyone at sea. This year, in addition to more traditional reports, they also provided us with our first report about Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), and even a report from within the murky world of the ‘dark fleet’. Their dedication to safety and their courage in speaking up is laudable, and I hope they will inspire others to do the same.”
Regarding welfare, cases of crew abandonment more than doubled last year from 2023’s record levels. According to the International Maritime Organisation, there were 310 cases of crew abandonment registered in 2024. The Digest highlighted the issues of safety versus commercial pressure saying port calls often put safety at odds with commercial demands, forcing shipmasters into difficult decisions. Concealing a damaged anchor to avoid extra costs or rushing departure in strong winds can lead to disaster. The reports in this section clearly demonstrate the benefits of having skilled pilots and tug crews.
The hidden risks of poor design: Good design should enhance safety, but poor choices—such as unsafe pilot ladders, failing mooring bitts, or unsecured equipment—can have severe consequences. In the superyacht industry, aesthetics sometimes override functionality, leading to hazards. Safety must be embedded in design, with rigorous testing and consultation with seafarers to prevent incidents before they occur. Senior officers attending every new building and being given the authority to identify design faults and raise concerns will pay dividends when the vessel enters service.
Engineering mishaps, from elevator accidents to fuel contamination and machinery-related injuries, underscore the need for strict safety protocols. Safe practices must be non-negotiable, with clear communication and enforcement at every level.
The report also addressed common hazards with deck and cargo operations, including insufficient training, inadequate supervision, and neglected hazards persist in causing serious incidents. From crew members falling overboard to nitrogen asphyxiation in tanks, failures in safety procedures persist, and whether proper gangway installation, mooring practices, or hazardous cargo management, clear protocols and a culture of reporting concerns without fear of reprisal are essential.
Read the report: CHIRP Annual Digest 2024