M2561 - Illegal disposal of waste at sea

Initial Report

A reporter informed CHIRP about the illegal disposal of oily waste and plastic while the vessel was en route to its next port. They provided photographs and videos showing oily waste from the engine room being discharged into the sea under the instruction of senior officers.

CHIRP alerted the flag state and, soon after, a flag state inspector arrived on board to conduct an inspection. The reporter and CHIRP maintained close communication throughout. The reporter’s primary motivation was simple: to stop environmental pollution and ensure accountability.

CHIRP Comment

The reporter initially raised the issue internally, with other crew members supporting concerns about the environmental impact. When no action followed, they contacted CHIRP to ensure the matter was adequately addressed. Their moral courage and sense of responsibility are commendable.

Although the experience left the reporter feeling isolated at times, they remained convinced that protecting the marine environment was the right thing to do. CHIRP shared the evidence with the flag state, the company’s designated person ashore (DPA), their insurers, and the classification society to understand why oily waste and sediment had accumulated and to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

CHIRP encourages readers to report concerns, even if feedback from authorities appears limited. Every submission helps reveal systemic issues and promotes positive change.

This case also illustrates that protection for those who speak up is not only a shipboard issue; it reflects the company’s safety culture ashore. The DPA, with both the authority and the moral duty to act, plays a key role in ensuring that those who raise concerns are supported, not silenced.

CHIRP commends the reporter’s moral courage. This incident reinforces why CHIRP exists: to provide a safe, independent route for seafarers to speak up when something is wrong, and to drive learning that protects people and the environment.

Key Issues relating to this report

Culture – The vessel’s safety and environmental culture was weak, and it took significant moral courage from the crew to speak up and challenge harmful environmental practices.

Alerting – Alerting is a crucial skill, and it takes courage to speak up when there is a risk of emotional or professional retaliation.

Local Practices – Illegal dumping at sea had become normalised on board until someone spoke out and reported it to the authorities.

Key takeaways

Regulators: Protect the sea, and those who also attempt to protect it.
Flags and authorities should respond promptly to reports of illegal discharges and investigate thoroughly. Visible action, including meaningful sanctions, helps prevent recurrence and strengthens compliance culture. Guidance and enforcement must emphasise both environmental protection and protection for reporters.

Managers: Protecting reporters ensures safety for everyone.

When seafarers feel safe enough to raise safety and environmental reports confidently, it leads to positive safety changes. Managers have an obligation to champion a positive reporting culture. Clear procedures should ensure swift action and strong support for those raising concerns.

Seafarers: CHIRP is here to help you.
Reporting environmental violations is vital to protecting the marine environment. When you don’t feel safe reporting through your company’s normal channels, CHIRP is here to listen and help.