Given the personal injury work that we do, we here at Tatham & Co are always interested in data on trends in maritime personal injury claims. So, we were very interested to hear about the United Kingdom Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) having recently launched an interactive data tool. Its initial set of data records accidents reported to the MAIB between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2024 for the following categories:

(1)    accidents on UK-flagged vessels anywhere in the world;

(2)    accidents on foreign-flagged vessels which take place in UK waters;

(3)    accidents on recreational vessels and non-passenger craft used for commercial purposes;

(4)    accidents on recreational vessels whose users have voluntarily reported those accidents to the MAIB.

For the first time, detailed information about the nature and frequency of incidents across merchant shipping, fishing vessels, small commercial craft and non-commercial vessels has been collated by the MAIB in a single, accessible resource. The tool provides a valuable opportunity to analyse and identify trends in maritime safety and, importantly, to consider the operational and compliance implications for shipowners and operators.

An independent branch of the Department for Transport, the MAIB’s remit is to investigate marine accidents with the sole objective of improving safety and preventing recurrence. In other words, there is no body more qualified than the MAIB to prepare and educate us all on this information. Unlike civil or criminal proceedings, MAIB investigations do not apportion blame or liability; rather, they seek to establish safety lessons and promote industry-wide learning. Shipmasters, owners and harbour authorities are under statutory obligations to report incidents, ensuring that the MAIB has access to a broad and reliable evidence base.

The dataset captures a wide range of incidents that provide valuable insights into the risks facing vessel operators today.

What emerges most clearly from the data is the persistence of everyday hazards. Slips, trips and falls account for the majority of reports, with close to 800 incidents recorded over the two-year period. These are not confined to any one sector: whether on a deep-sea tanker, a fishing vessel or a small passenger craft, routine shipboard movement continues to present a high risk of injury. The frequency of such events underscores the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safe working practices, even in seemingly low-risk settings.

Mooring operations are another area of concern. More than 120 accidents were linked to mooring lines, ropes or tow lines. Despite long-standing awareness in the industry of the dangers of mooring snapback and rope handling, alarming incidents continue to occur.  One case involved a cargo vessel where a mooring line parted while alongside, striking and injuring a crew member. Such incidents remain among the most serious causes of injury in port operations and highlight the continuing need for robust training, supervision and maintenance regimes. Vigilance is needed at all levels, and it is important that complacency does not creep in, just because a job is being repeated on a daily or weekly basis.  The importance of good teamwork and team building cannot be underestimated in trying to minimise risk in day-to-day operations.

Falls overboard also feature prominently, with nearly 100 cases recorded. These incidents often arise during small-boat transfers or mooring assistance and remain one of the most dangerous situations for crew. In one recent example, a service vessel engaged in tanker mooring operations saw a crew member fall into the water, requiring urgent recovery. Although survival equipment and drills have improved outcomes in some cases, the recurrence of man-overboard incidents demonstrate the ongoing importance of procedures and safeguards designed to prevent such events in the first place.

The data also points to specific risks within particular vessel classes. Offshore support operations stand out: more than 40 incidents involved platform supply vessels, anchor-handling tugs or service craft. For course, it must be highlighted that these vessels operate in demanding environments where the combination of heavy equipment, close-quarters manoeuvring and variable weather creates elevated risk. In one case, a crew member on a platform supply vessel sustained injuries during a routine passage, emphasising that hazards are not confined to high-intensity operations.

Oil tankers likewise account for a distinct set of accidents. At least 25 incidents involved tankers, many during transfer and mooring operations. Transfer of personnel remains especially hazardous: one crew member was injured while disembarking an oil tanker via a pilot ladder, a task that continues to pose risks despite extensive regulation. Over the years, we have seen many frightening videos on social media of things going wrong when crew (and, especially, pilots) are trying to embark or disembark at anchor. These have involved a number of different vessels – not just oil tankers. The examples reported by the MAIB highlight how, even in well-regulated environments, the combination of scale, equipment and human factors can result in significant injury.

For the wider industry, the dataset underlines the operational and financial importance of effective health and safety management. Slips, mooring accidents and man-overboard incidents are not only a human concern but also carry significant commercial and reputational consequences. The MAIB’s analysis provides valuable insight, and we recommend anyone involved with compliance and risk management to review it. On a practical level, this analysis can then be used as a mirror against which current systems and safeguards can be reviewed and strengthened if required, supporting shipowners and operators in meeting their duties, reducing downtime, and limiting exposure to claims.

The launch of this tool marks an important step towards transparency in maritime safety. By identifying recurring hazards, it allows stakeholders to focus on the areas of greatest risk. For shipowners and operators, it offers an opportunity to benchmark practices, review training and maintenance regimes, and demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety.

In conclusion, the MAIB’s new dataset is more than a statistical exercise: it is a very welcome reminder of the importance of continual improvement in safety practices. For shipowners and operators, it offers both a diagnostic tool and a chance to take meaningful steps to safeguard their people, protect their vessels, and lessen operational risk.

You can access the data portal here.