Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
It could have been a disaster—a ladder left unsecured, an oil slick unnoticed until it was almost too late. These are the moments that make hearts race but ultimately pass without incident, leaving the crew with a collective sigh of relief: “well at least no one was hurt.” But near misses should not be underestimated. Close calls that could have led to a more serious accident can often hold the key to preventing future crises.
“Reporting near misses is not just a duty but a powerful tool for learning and improvement,” says CHIRP Maritime's deputy director Dave Watkins. By capturing these near-miss moments, superyacht crews can transform potential hazards into actionable insights, strengthening safety protocols onboard.
Historically, near-miss reporting on superyachts has often amounted to little more than a scribbled note and perhaps a quiet word with the offending crew member. After all, there was no accident and no one was harmed. “Crew members usually relied on verbal communication or simple logbook entries to document near misses,” Watkins notes. While these informal methods allowed for quick sharing of information, they often lacked the consistency and follow-through needed to drive preventative change. However, as the importance of proactive safety management has grown, the industry has shifted toward more structured systems. Dedicated reporting forms, digital tools, and formal review processes have become increasingly common, ensuring that near misses are documented, analyzed, and used to implement effective preventive measures.
Organizations like CHIRP Maritime play a key role in encouraging near-miss reporting. By providing platforms for anonymous reporting and sharing lessons across the industry, CHIRP helps normalize this practice. Their efforts underscore the importance of treating near-miss reporting as a proactive measure rather than an afterthought.
Despite advancements, barriers to reporting persist. Watkins identifies three main challenges: ignorance, fear, and time constraints. “Ignorance” in this case isn’t about negligence but rather a lack of understanding about what constitutes a near miss and its potential consequences. Fear of blame or disciplinary action can also discourage reporting, especially if crew members worry about being held responsible for an incident. Time constraints, particularly on fast-paced superyachts, add another layer of difficulty, as crew might feel they lack the time to complete detailed reports.
Simplifying the reporting process is essential to overcoming these barriers. “The reporting process should be simple, straightforward, and easily accessible to all crew members,” Watkins emphasizes. Whether digital or paper-based, the system should be user-friendly and allow for quick, efficient reporting. Importantly, it should be embedded in the vessel’s culture so that crew members feel encouraged to report incidents as a matter of routine, without needing permission or fearing repercussions.
Through CHIRP, incidents can be reported via an online portal. Once submitted, the reports are reviewed by CHIRP’s Maritime Advisory Board, and findings, along with advice, are published in an anonymized format in a report called Superyacht Feedback.
“A strong safety culture manifests itself ineffective near-miss reporting, where reporting is seen as ‘the way we do things around here,’” Watkins explains. Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a non-punitive, supportive environment where crew members feel safe to report incidents. When crew trust that their input will lead to constructive action rather than blame, they are more likely to participate actively.
Training is another critical component. Crew members need clear guidance on what qualifies as a near miss and why it is important to report it. Tools like consequence or severity matrices can help assess the potential risks of incidents, reinforcing the value of detailed and accurate reporting.
“Every crew member, regardless of rank or role, is responsible for reporting near misses,” Watkins points out. This inclusive approach ensures potential hazards are identified from diverse perspectives. A steward might notice a tripping hazard in a passageway, while an engineer could flag a mechanical issue. Together, these observations create a more complete picture of onboard safety.
“Each near miss is a learning opportunity that enhances the safety culture onboard and ensures a safer environment for everyone,” Watkins concludes. For yacht crew, the practice of reporting near misses should be more than a procedural task—it is a commitment to their own safety and to the wellbeing of those they work with. By treating every close call as an opportunity to learn and improve, crews can create an environment where safety is not just a priority but a shared responsibility.
To report a near miss, visit the CHIRP Maritime website and navigate to the "Submit a Report" section. Alternatively, download the CHIRP reporting app, available for both iOS and Android devices, to submit reports directly from your mobile device.