Taking a swipe at seafaring industries

THE outgoing chief inspector of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has taken a parting shot at the fishing and merchant seafaring industries over their level of co-operation.

He speaks of “vested interest” and those with an “axe to grind” hampering inquiries. Maybe Stephen Meyer is correct in his self-analysis that he was naive to think that it would be any different.

It is only human nature to be defensive in such situations for fear of being treated unfairly or being taken to task for some serious shortcoming, which could threaten one’s livelihood. This does not only apply to those who make their living from the sea. We see it in many walks of life: we see major politicians ducking and diving at public inquiries into the Iraq war, for example.

Obstructing marine investigations is in no one’s interest, especially as they are dealing with life-and-death situations. As with any industry, some workers and employers will cut corners over rules which they feel are unnecessary or cumbersome. Unfortunately, the current figures for fatalities and other accidents at sea remain a cause for concern and mean that working practices will always come under intense scrutiny.