There are nearly 1.9 million seafarers around the world helping to safely and sustainably deliver goods that support our global economy. At Algoma we have nearly 1400 seafarers on board our vessels. Seafaring offers the opportunity for adventure and a rewarding career, but the conditions inherent to working on board are significantly different from any shore-based job as it involves long periods away from home and exposure to unique, dynamic risks. Seafarers often face fatigue, extreme weather conditions, and various operational hazards. While it’s impossible to eliminate risks, Algoma and other marine industry stakeholders are committed to managing and mitigating them as much as possible.
First and foremost, safety is not only about procedures and regulations – there is also a social aspect that requires camaraderie and shared responsibility. From captains to unlicensed personnel, everyone must be knowledgeable and stay accountable. Algoma’s safety practices and culture emphasize looking out for one another, encouraging our seafarers to ensure each other’s well-being onboard. For years, our safety campaigns have focused on helping our seafarers see who their colleagues are working safely for, fostering a sense of accountability and responsibility to protect each other – not just for their own safety, but for the families and friends their crew members have waiting at home.
At Algoma, we know that workplace safety is a team effort. It requires strong communication, clear delegation of responsibilities, effective policies, and a commitment from every individual to prevent risks and injuries. An unsafe environment decreases productivity and is costly, but when safety is prioritized by the whole team, everyone can focus on their duties, boosting both efficiency and morale.
Captain Knee of the Algoma Intrepid attributes their vessel’s exceptional safety performance to teamwork, accountability, and camaraderie between everyone on board. “This crew understands that safety is paramount from the ship’s management to the unlicensed crew. As managers we constantly remind crew to review their Toolbox Talks with Job Safety Analysis and to not rush when working.” he explains. “We have excellent Mates and Engineers on the Algoma Intrepid with lots of experience and positive attitudes throughout. The unlicensed crew here are top notch as well. They work hard and safely and have a wealth of knowledge that we all rely upon.”
Fostering a strong safety culture is not the responsibility of one person alone, but a collective effort. Captain Knee believes this teamwork is key: “Everyone wants to return home in good health, both physically and mentally. I believe distractions cause many incidents onboard. Crews often have longer work cycles and as managers, we need to recognize that personal issues can cause distractions, and we need to address them when possible. The crew are open to new ideas and are not afraid of constructive criticism, from the top to the bottom.”
Captain Knee’s advice for fellow captains and senior leaders is clear: “Make safety your number one priority. Listen to your crew and act on their concerns. It shows that safety is valued above everything else. Taking a few extra minutes to ensure a job is done safely not only boosts morale but can also enhance profitability.”
At Algoma, safety is not just a policy or procedure – it’s a fundamental principle that drives our success and strengthens our commitment to operations excellence so that we can continue to be the Marine Carrier of Choice for our employees. Our commitment to a strong safety culture ensures that every crew member works with a shared sense of responsibility. By fostering open communication and ownership, we can protect our seafarers and ensure everyone returns home safely.
Header photo taken by Kelly Noseworthy, HOPA Ports.
