Confidential Human Factors
Incident Reporting Programme
The Charity
Aviation
Maritime
M2488
Initial Report
The reporter saw three people working aloft on a neighbouring superyacht. One wore a full harness, one appeared to be wearing a waist belt, and one had no fall protection at all.
CHIRP Comment
CHIRP thanked the reporter and informed them that CHIRP had contacted the Flag State concerning this incident.
 There are several issues with the reporter’s observations regarding this report. Firstly, one of the crew was wearing a harness; why were the other two crew members not wearing the same harness for the same work activity? Was this because there were insufficient harnesses on board? Or did one crew member decide it was safe for them and not insist that the others needed protection?
The reporter saw that one of the crew members was wearing a waist belt, which is not clear in the photograph. Nevertheless, waist belt-type harnesses should not be worn as fall protection due to their lack of support during a fall, which would most likely result in permanent back injury—they are not designed for fall protection.
CHIRP would like to add that, following collaboration with the six leading Flag States which register the most superyachts, an inaugural safety flyer on working aloft has been produced. The flyer can be seen on the back page of this feedback edition. CHIRP would like to thank the Cayman Islands Registry for making the first one, along with other leading flag states and CHIRP Maritime.
Key Issues relating to this report
Culture – Inconsistent use of safety harnesses suggests either a weak safety culture or poor enforcement of safety procedures. If some crew members do not feel obliged or expected to follow basic safety practices, the culture is not functioning correctly.
Capability – The use of an inappropriate waist belt instead of proper fall protection indicates a lack of knowledge or training about the appropriate equipment for working aloft. Correct practices would be better highlighted if a Permit to Work were used.
Teamwork – If one crew member is correctly equipped but does not intervene when others are not, it suggests a lack of shared responsibility and poor team cohesion. Good teams look out for each other.
Fit for Duty – Safety covers not only the physical but also the psychological aspects.
Key Takeaways
Seafarers – If one person needs a harness, all do. Inconsistent use of safety gear puts everyone at risk. If a task requires fall protection, ensure that every crew member is adequately equipped. Don’t assume someone else’s risk is different from yours — safety must be a standard, not an option.
Managers – Supply the gear and set the standard. Ensure there are enough adequately certified fall protection systems on board, and make it clear that unsafe alternatives, such as waist belts, are not acceptable. A transparent, enforced safety standard prevents improvisation and protects your crew.
Regulators – Support safety with visibility and clarity. CHIRP welcomes collaboration with Flag States to raise awareness and promote consistent safety standards. Sharing best practices through initiatives like the ‘Working Aloft Safety Flyer’ helps turn guidance into action on board.