Lorries at sea – urgent safety advice issued by MAIB

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued a warning to all lorry drivers who use ferries.

The warning comes after an incident where a number of trucks toppled over on a ferry vehicle deck while at sea, with drivers still in their cabs. On of the drivers became trapped in his cab and had to be freed by emergency services.

International regulations prohibit passengers, including lorry drivers, from staying on the vehicle decks when at sea.

The MAIB has issued the following safety warning:

• Wile a ferry is at sea, the roll-on, roll-off decks should be occupied by only trained professional seafarers who are required to undertake safety and security patrols;
• Drivers who remain on the vehicle deck pose a danger to themselves and can cause delay in emergency response;
• Drivers who remain in their vehicle cabs could be in danger of asphyxiation by fire, or as a result of the fire suppression systems that may be released by ship’s staff.

For more information, read the MAIB’s Safety Bulletin.

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