OCIMF Update: Seafarer Safety Amid Middle East Disruption

Supporting Seafarers Amid Regional Tensions

According to OCIMF’s Members’ News Issue 158, the organisation has issued an information bulletin titled Prolonged Disruption, Elevated Threat and the Safe Conduct of Maritime Operations, addressing the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on mariners.

In the Director’s Log, OCIMF Director Karen Davis wrote that keeping seafarers central to decision-making, and protecting their wellbeing and ability to work safely, remains the organisation’s priority during this period of disruption. The bulletin highlights human factors considerations, stressing that sustained uncertainty and workload pressure can affect crew performance over time. It calls on organisations to allow extra time for planning, preparation and verification ahead of high-risk tasks, while reducing unnecessary administrative burden that could distract from safe operations. It also encourages capturing lessons learned from operating under prolonged pressure to strengthen resilience.

Davis noted OCIMF will continue coordinating with the IMO and partner NGOs and charities until tensions ease and freedom of navigation is restored.

Green Award and IACS Milestones

OCIMF representatives Ton Mol and Darron L. Biddle joined the Green Award Foundation Board of Experts meeting in Rotterdam, where specialists from ports, regulators, insurers, class societies and owners reviewed the Green Award vessel survey schemes. Saurabh Sachdeva was introduced as the new Executive Director and Keita Shinohara as Chief Operating Officer.

Separately, OCIMF’s Engineering Adviser attended the International Association of Classification Societies’ 100th General Policy Group meeting in Istanbul on 21 April. Secretary General Robert Ashdown marked the milestone, noting the GPG brings together 12 classification societies representing around 90% of world tonnage in support of IMO’s technical standards.

Offshore Engagement and Publications

OCIMF confirmed it will exhibit for the first time at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston from 4-7 May 2026, showcasing offshore publications including the Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings, F(P)SO marine assessment guidelines, and OVMSA revisions, alongside a new publication on lifesaving appliances for offshore installations.