CHIRP Maritime recently highlighted lessons learned from an incident involving the illegal disposal of oily waste and plastic from a vessel. A reporter on board observed oily waste being discharged from the engine room under instructions from senior officers and documented the activity through photographs and videos. Concerned about environmental pollution and accountability, the reporter reported the incident to CHIRP, which promptly alerted the vessel’s flag state. An inspector soon arrived to conduct an on-board inspection, while the reporter maintained close communication with CHIRP throughout the process.
The reporter initially raised concerns internally, with support from other crew members, but when no action was taken, they reached out to CHIRP. Their persistence and moral courage in prioritizing environmental protection were notable, even though the experience at times left them feeling isolated. CHIRP subsequently shared the evidence with the flag state, the company’s designated person ashore (DPA), insurers, and the classification society to investigate the accumulation of oily waste and prevent future incidents.
The case underscores that protecting those who speak up is not solely a shipboard responsibility; it reflects the broader safety and environmental culture of the company ashore. The DPA plays a crucial role in supporting whistleblowers and ensuring that concerns are addressed rather than suppressed.
Key lessons from this report include the importance of a strong safety and environmental culture, the courage required to alert authorities to harmful practices, and the need to challenge normalized illegal activities. The incident highlights that raising concerns is essential for safeguarding the marine environment and fostering accountability within the maritime sector.
