Safety Catch Winner - January 2025
Bosun Yuriy Katsyuk / CSL TARANTAU (UK, France & Americas Cluster) has been selected as January’s Safety Catch Winner for his outstanding contribution to our safety culture.
Whilst preparing a starboard side bunkering crane for operation/lowering of new rollers into the tunnel, Bosun Katsyuk found several wires on the crane had parted around the connection with the counterweight. Work was stopped immediately to prevent an incident, and the operation continued after the wire was replaced and crane proven to be ready for use in all regards.
Safety Catch Winner - February 2025
V.Group Safety Catch Award of February went to the 3rd Officer Serhii Ruban / BARUMK GAS (Singapore, India Cluster). This safety catch highlights the importance of Situation Awareness in maintaining vessel security.
Following the detection of a stowaway boarding an adjacent vessel, the crew took immediate action, demonstrating vigilance and effective communication both with port security authorities and within the onboard team. A Safety Moment on "Situation Awareness" was prepared, and security procedures were reinforced through a briefing with the crew. Security measures around the vessel were also reviewed and strengthened.
Lessons Learnt Feb26
Safety Catch Winner - March 2025
The V.Group Safety Catch Award for March 2025 went to AB Balveer Singh Chauhan aboard the BELATLANTIC (Singapore/India Cluster).
This safety catch highlights the critical importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and proactive intervention in preventing potential incidents.
The AB Balveer Singh Cauhan observed a stevedore attempting to descend the pilot ladder into a boat without wearing a lifejacket — a hazardous act with serious safety implications. Recognizing the potential danger, Balveer stopped the stevedore, supplied him with a lifejacket, and ensured it was properly worn before allowing the descent to continue.
This quick and vigilant action prevented a potentially life-threatening situation and exemplifies our core safety values. Falls from pilot ladders or during boarding operations continue to be a known risk across the industry. There have been multiple reports of serious injuries and fatalities where individuals, especially non-crew personnel, fell into the water without adequate flotation devices.
Wearing a life jacket is a non-negotiable when working near water, especially on open decks or while using pilot ladders; while everyone onboard – crew and visitors alike – must be held to the same safety standards. Thanks to Balveer’s intervention, the risk was significantly reduced, underscoring the vital role of PPE in maritime safety and how speaking up to correct unsafe behaviours saves lives.
Let’s all be inspired by this example. A strong safety culture thrives when we take ownership—not just for our own safety, but for that of everyone around us.
Lesson Learnt Mar25
Safety Catch Winner - April 2025
2nd Engineer Kamleshkumar Dipakbhai Tandel of GULF SUNRISE (N. Europe Cluster) was selected as the April 2025 Group Safety Catch of the Month Winner!
Kamleshkumar demonstrated outstanding safety vigilance by identifying an unsafe act—a crew member using a defective lifting sling. He immediately intervened, halting the operation until the faulty equipment was replaced with a certified sling. His proactive response exemplifies situational leadership and a strong commitment to our safety culture: "If you see it, you own it."
Lesson learnt Apr25
Safety Catch Winner - May 2025
Deck Cadet Ganesh Vana ofKMARIN REASON (M.East Cluster) was the recipient of the V.Group Safety Catch of the Month for May 2025 for his swift and decisive action that prevented a potentially serious environmental incident.
During cargo hose disconnection operations, Ganesh noticed that the securing valve for the shore hose had been left open – a critical oversight that could have led to an oil spill. He immediately intervened, stopped the operation, alerted the shore team, and ensured the valve was safely secured.
Ganesh’s vigilance and actions serve as a powerful example of proactive safety leadership, reflecting our shared belief: ‘See it. Own it.’
Leadership at Every Level
What makes this recognition even more inspiring is that it comes from a Deck Cadet – a reminder that leadership in safety is not defined by rank, but by action.
Ganesh led by example, showing that every individual, regardless of position or role, has the power—and the responsibility—to make a difference when it comes to safety.
Lesson Learnt May25
Safety Catch Winner - June 2025
Messman Rohit Sudhakar Mohite of BELTIGER (Singapore/India Cluster) was the June 2025 Safety Catch of the Month winner.
Rohit demonstrated exceptional situational awareness and proactive safety leadership during routine operations onboard. He observed a crew member attempting to climb the stairs while carrying tools in both hands - an unsafe act that could have compromised the individual's balance resulting in a fall or injury. Demonstrating quick judgment, he immediately stopped the crew member and helped, ensuring the tools were carried safely in one hand and allowing the crew member to maintain proper grip on the handrail.
His swift action helped prevent a potential incident and reinforces our shared safety values of accountability and decisiveness. This moment serves as a strong example of our commitment to: "If You See it, You Own it"
Lesson Learnt June25
Safety Catch Winner - July 2025
Chief Engineer Siyuan Huang of m/v LI DA SHENG (China Cluster) was our July 2025 V.Group Safety Catch Award winner.
During maintenance on the Main Engine’s axial vibration monitoring system, no warning signs were placed near the Engine Control Room control cabinet after power was turned off.
⚠️Siyuan acted swiftly — warning signs were placed immediately to prevent accidental power restoration, an example of proactive safety leadership.
Siyuan raised a critical safety observation that that highlights the importance of the Lock Out - Tag Out (LO/TO) process.
LO/TO prevents accidental startup of machinery or the release of hazardous energy during work. Always ensure systems involved are properly locked, tagged and listed on the LO/TO board (photo of the V. Lock-Out Tag-Out Board attached).
Lesson learnt Jul25
Safety Catch Winner - August 2025
The August 2025 Safety Catch of the Month winner is 3rd Officer Earl June Palabrica Pelegrino, who demonstrated strong situational awareness and commitment to safety during a critical mooring operation.
While the vessel was manoeuvring to dock, the Captain ordered all slack ropes to be heaved up to secure the vessel alongside. During this operation, one crew member attempted to cross a rope in order to get to the other side - a highly unsafe act, especially during mooring operations when ropes are under tension and the risk of serious injury is significant.
Recognising the danger, Earl acted quickly and decisively., He immediately stopped the crew member and reminded the serious risks involved in crossing ropes during mooring. Earl’s timely intervention not only prevented a potential incident but also reinforced the importance of vigilance and adherence to safe practices during safety-sensitive operations.
This case serves as an important reminder that mooring operations are inherently high-risk, requiring constant situational awareness and clear communication. Unsafe acts like crossing ropes can endanger individuals and compromise team safety. Earl’s action reflects leadership, accountability, and our shared commitment to the value: “If You See It, You Own It.”
Lesson Learnt Aug25
Safety Catch Winner - September 2025
2nd Officer Xulei Zhang of m/v TS LIANYUNGANG (China Cluster) was our September 2025 V.Group Safety Catch Award winner
During routine operations, Xulei observed a rating placing damaged twist locks into the box designated for non-damaged equipment. Recognizing the risk, he immediately intervened, stopped this Unsafe Act and advised the rating to separate the damaged twist locks to prevent its use in the future.
Twist locks are essential pieces of equipment used to securely connect and lock shipping containers to the ship and to each other, providing stability and preventing movement especially in rough seas. Using defective equipment poses serious safety risks, including container movement, loss, or injury. Xulei’s timely action and application of the Stop Work Authority demonstrate strong situational leadership and a commitment to safe operations
Lesson learnt Sept25
Safety Catch Winner - October 2025
O/S Nilesh Popat Adhav of m/v KHAWR ALADID (Offshore Cluster) was our October 2025 V.Group Safety Catch Award winner.
This achievement is a milestone for both our safety initiative and the Offshore Cluster—Nilesh has earned the first Safety Catch award for the Offshore under this enhanced program.
Nilesh observed an Unsafe Act - a crew member standing within the swing arc of a weather-tight door on the port side of the upper main deck. This exposed the individual to a potential ‘line of fire’ hazard, as the door could have opened unexpectedly from inside, causing injury. Acting immediately, Nilesh advised the person to move to a safe area away from the door swing range.
Nilesh timely action is a great example of situational leadership and effective use of Stop Work Authority to keep colleagues safe.
Lesson learnt Oct25
Safety Catch Winner - November 2025
We were proud to recognize two outstanding team members for their exceptional commitment to safety:
- Fireman James Shibu of NUIM ANTAN (Offshore Cluster), exceptionally selected by the V.Group Executive Team for his proactive intervention during a confined space entry, which most likely prevented a serious incident, and
- 3rd Engineer Yuqi Song (TS KEELUNG, China Cluster) chosen by colleagues as the most voted entry in our Safety Catch poll.
Spotlight on Their Achievements
Fireman James: While serving as standby for a confined space entry, James conducted gas testing at the top level of the flotation vessel at M01. When his has monitor detected a high LEL alarm, he immediately halted the operation and informed the CCR, Safety Officer, and Head of Department. An investigation revealed that prior ventilation was inadequate. Thanks to James’ proactiveness and vigilance, proper ventilation was reinstated, reinforcing safety protocols within the team and preventing a potentially fatal incident. Confined spaces remain one of the most dangerous working areas in our industry and account for the largest proportion of fatalities. James’ proactive response most likely saved lives and sets a powerful example for all of us.
Lesson learnt - Fireman James
3rd Engineer Yuqi: Demonstrated outstanding proactive vigilance when the No.3 exhaust valve’s pressure relief valve began leaking oil and air bubbles due to a worn O-ring. Yuqi swiftly replaced the O-ring and conducted a thorough test to restore normal exhaust valve operation. His decisive action averted a potential major machinery failure and safety related incident, safeguarding engine performance, preventing erroneous slow-down alarms, and reinforcing reliability for the entire propulsion system.
Lesson learnt Nov25