NI-GHB February 22nd Meeting: Mandatory of Seafarer Fatalities

9650 High Level Road,Houston TX 77029

22 February, 2022

Description

Captain Anuj Chopra, NI-Gulf Houston Branch on the proposal for mandatory reporting of seafarer fatalities at sea The countries of Australia, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, and Panama have submitted a proposal to IMO regarding the reporting of fatalities at sea. As the proposal notes, "Currently there is no single international data set that appropriately captures and categorizes all fatalities that occur at sea. Where there is a requirement for flat States to report operational related fatalities to the IMO, there is no such requirement that covers fatalities attributed to medical event, natural causes, lost overboard or suicide." As was discussed at a recent Crew Change Conversation, there may be intentional misclassification of fatalities by some vessels in order to avoid P&I claims or port State problems. Captain Chopra will bring his vast knowledge to bear on this emerging issue. The Nautical Institute - Gulf Branch represents members who work in the maritime industry along the Gulf Coast. It strives to offer fellowship among nautical professionals, produce relevant seminars and technical workshops, assist members in their professional development, and articulate concerns to NI-International so that these concerns can be raised at the different international fora.