Web Alert: EMSA publishes 2016 overview of marine casualties and incidents

In December 2016, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) published its latest annual overview of marine casualties and incidents in 2015.​

The report describes an increase in less serious events (possibly attributable to better reporting over time), but the number of more serious incidents remains stable. Half of recent casualties related to navigational issues. The 'human element' was a factor in a majority of incidents.

In terms of risk mitigation, almost half of the safety recommendations from incident investigations related to operational practices, safe working in particular. The response from the shipping industry to recommendations was found to be positive.