Distraction-causing devices on board ships

The Guidelines for the Management of Distraction Causing Devices on board Ships aim to address these risks and provide shipping companies with a comprehensive framework to manage and mitigate distractions caused by devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and other personal and business electronic devices.

The guidelines were prepared and endorsed by four prominent organisations: BIMCO, IMarEST, InterManager, and the Nautical Institute.

These organisations have worked tirelessly over the past 1.5 years to develop these guidelines, emphasising the importance of managing distractions to ensure the safety of the crew, the ship, and its cargo.

The document highlights several key points:

1. Understanding the hazard: Distraction is defined as a process of interrupting attention, which can prevent someone from concentrating on the task at hand. In the maritime industry, distraction can lead to decreased productivity and dangerous accidents
2. Examples of distraction-related accidents: The guidelines provide several real-world examples of accidents caused by distractions, such as the collision of the UK-registered cargo ship Scot Carrier with the Danish barge Karin Høj, and the grounding of the container ship Ever Forward amongst others
3. Causes and types of distraction: The document identifies various causes of distraction, including reading or sending text messages, using mobile phones at inopportune times, and engaging with social media. It also categorises distractions into key personnel using personal or business devices and non-key personnel causing distractions
4. Management of distraction: The guidelines outline a process for managing distractions on board ships, similar to handling any other safety risk. This includes understanding the hazard, assessing if it can evolve into risks, identifying potential risks, and implementing appropriate control measures
5. Governance and policies: The document discusses the governance of distraction-causing devices in other industries, such as road transport, and compares with the maritime industry. It also highlights the importance of adhering to the IMO’s International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the International regulations on Collision Avoidance at Sea (COLREGS). 

By following these guidelines, shipping companies can better understand the risks associated with distraction at work and implement safeguards to mitigate these risks. This will ultimately contribute to the safety and well-being of seafarers and the efficient operation of ships.

The guidelines are drafted in a long and a short format for reading ease. There is also a separate checklist which shipping companies can use to understand and assess the risk. Using this, companies may put appropriate safeguards in place.

The guidelines and checklist can be accessed under the Related links below.