Getting injured or hurt while working on ships is very common. It’s hard to find a seafarer who hasn’t been through an accident and hurt himself. A recent report conducted by a maritime organization states that more than 70% of personal injuries take place because of sheer negligence and failure in following safety procedures.
Another drill that perhaps doesn’t get enough thought or attention is emergency steering.
In the aftermath of an incident on board that leads to serious or fatal injuries, the wellbeing of fellow crewmembers must not be forgotten, especially when there is potential to re-open emotional wounds during an investigation.
The ship pilot, as an expert in ship handling with local knowledge, will engage in a ship’s passage in its most critical phases where marine incidents are most likely to occur, such as in confined waters or in potentially dangerous situations. If an incident does occur when the pilot is on board, then the role of the pilot inevitably comes under close scrutiny.