Marshall Islands issues advisory to prevent fatal falls on yachts

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator issued Yacht Safety Advisory No. 13-24 on December 23, 2024, to address the persistent and significant danger of fatalities caused by falls from height aboard yachts and vessels registered under the RMI flag. The advisory highlights a concerning trend: falls from height have been the leading cause of very serious marine casualties (VSMCs) since 2019, accounting for 31% of such incidents and resulting in the tragic loss of 22 lives. Notably, 11 of these fatalities occurred in the last two years, underlining the urgency of this issue.

Key Issues:

1. Fall-Related Fatalities: Falls from height have been identified as the most common and fatal type of incident on RMI-flagged vessels, leading to loss of life and operational impacts.
2. VSMC Definition: A VSMC involves incidents with severe outcomes, such as the total loss of a ship, fatalities, or significant environmental damage. These statistics emphasize the critical need for enhanced safety measures.

Recommendations:

To mitigate the risks of falls from height, the RMI Maritime Administrator provides the following guidance:

1. Review and Update Safety Practices:
   • Yacht owners or their representatives are advised to review and, if necessary, amend onboard safety procedures.
   • These practices must align with the RMI Yacht Code (MI-103) and