How should an EOW report a near-miss incident?

An EOW should report a near-miss incident by documenting and notifying the Chief Engineer because this approach ensures that the incident is officially recorded, which is vital for safety management and continuous improvement processes on board a vessel. Proper documentation allows for thorough investigation, analysis, and the identification of potential hazards that may pose risks in the future. Notifying the Chief Engineer is essential as they are responsible for overseeing engineering operations and implementing safety protocols; this keeps leadership informed and enables appropriate action to be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Informal discussions with the crew or conducting a public briefing, while they might encourage open communication about safety, do not provide the formal oversight and accountability needed for effective incident management. Ignoring the incident undermines safety culture and could lead to severe consequences if similar situations arise later. Documenting and reporting not only fosters a proactive safety environment but also supports compliance with maritime regulations and standards.