Safety Catch Winner - January 2026
Fitter Nelson Dumol of SEAWAYS MYSTERY (N. Europe & Americas Cluster) was selected as the January 2026 Safety Catch Winner. His decisive action during bunkering operations in Cristóbal, Panama prevented a potentially serious fire and spill hazard.
Safety Observation – What Happened
During manifold connection for bunkering, Fitter Nelson observed bunker barge personnel moving a grinding machine on deck. On checking, he identified that the barge had a leaking hydraulic line and intended to carry out repairs involving hot work while bunkering was in progress.
Recognising the serious fire and operational risks, Nelson immediately reported the situation, stopped the hot work and escalated the case to the bridge. The Officer of the Watch contacted the barge, and the Master enforced the ship’s strict no-hot-work during bunkering requirement.
Thanks to his quick intervention, the unsafe activity was stopped before it began, allowing operations to continue safely.
Safety Catch Winner - February 2026
Able Seaman Crane Operator Mayur Dashrath Ghorpade of FSO KHAWR ALADID (Offshore Cluster) for preventing a high risk enclosed space entry. His timely intervention protected a colleague from potential atmospheric hazards — an excellent demonstration of safety leadership
Safety Observation – What Happened
Mayur noticed a crew member approaching the forecastle store without activating the mechanical ventilation —a critical step before entering any enclosed or semi enclosed space.
He immediately intervened, stopped the unsafe act, and reminded the colleague of the atmospheric hazards associated with such spaces. Ventilation was then started and allowed to run before safe entry was permitted.
This quick decision eliminated a high-risk situation and prevented possible exposure to a hazardous atmosphere.
Safety Catch Winner - March 2026
3rd Officer Sone Aung Pyae of vessel Top Marine (Asia Cluster) became the March 2026 V.Group Safety Catch Award winner for demonstrating safety awareness and decisive action.
Safety Observation – What Happened
During cargo discharge operations using the ship’s crane and grab, a crew member was observed approaching and crossing the crane operating area while lifting operations were in progress. Recognizing the risk, the 3rd Officer stopped the operation, allowing the individual to move to a designated safe area, and cargo operations were only resumed once the area was confirmed clear.
Safety Catch Winner - April 2026
Deck Cadet, Illia Zherdetskyi of vessel Cosco Hellas (S. Europe Cluster) was the April 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner. Illia’s vigilance and decisive action show how taking ownership and acting early can prevent serious harm.
Safety Observation – What Happened
An obstruction was identified at the engine room, where an angle bar restricted safe and immediate access.
In an emergency, even seconds matter – this could have delayed escape or response, with potentially serious consequences in a time-critical situation.
Work was immediately stopped, the obstruction removed, and safe access fully restored.
Safety Catch Winners - May 2026
3rd Officer, Arwin II Villarina of vessel Belafonte became the May 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner, alongside Deck Cadet, Vedant Mishra of vessel Kmarin Restraint who was also awarded an award during May.
Both Arwin and Vedant's vigilance and decisive actions demonstrated how ownership and timely intervention can prevent serious harm.
Safety Observations – What Happened
During mooring operations, a crew member not involved in the task was observed entering a snap-back zone, exposing himself to a high-risk area.
3rd Officer Villarina immediately stepped in, stopped the operation, and ensured the individual was safely removed before work continued.
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Deck Cadet, Vedant's prompt reporting highlighted a damaged power cable was identified on a washing machine in the laundry area, where the cable had been cut and reconnected using tape only. This temporary and inadequate repair created a significant risk of electric shock and potential fire due to compromised insulation and cable integrity.
Safety Catch Winners - June 2026
Deck Cadet, Muhammad Siraj Modak of vessel Fezzan became the June 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award winner.
Safety Observations – What Happened
While alongside in Quebec, Canada, a Shore Surveyor attempted to board the vessel while the gangway safety net was still being rigged.
Recognising that the boarding arrangement was not yet fully established, Muhammad politely stopped the boarding, informed the Duty Officer, and ensured access was not permitted until all required safety measures were in place.
His actions prevented personnel from being exposed to a potential fall or man overboard risk and demonstrated the effective application of Stop Work Authority when conditions are not yet safe.
Safety Catch Winners - July 2026
Able Seaman, Allan Bill Batausa of vessel Ultramarine won the June 2026 V. Group Safety Catch Award.
Safety Observations – What Happened
While monitoring access arrangements alongside, Allan observed that tidal conditions were changing more rapidly than anticipated and recognised that the gangway could become unsuitable before passengers returned from their shore excursion. Trusting his observations and understanding the potential consequences, he promptly raised the concern and persistently advocated for immediate action.
Following assessment, the ship's gangway was replaced with a shore gangway, ensuring safe access for passengers returning from shore. His actions demonstrate that safety is not only about identifying hazards. It is also about having the confidence to challenge, communicate concerns effectively, and follow through until the appropriate action is taken.
Safety Catch Winners - August 2026
In August we recognised Messman, Wendel Llyod Nicolasora of vessel Doric Breeze with a V. Group Safety Catch Award.
Safety Observations – What Happened
Prior to crew embarkation during an abandon-ship drill, Wendel identified that a safety-critical component was missing from the lifeboat securing arrangement.
Recognising that the arrangement was not in its intended condition, he immediately raised the concern and ensured embarkation was paused until the required safeguard was restored and verified.
By identifying and challenging an abnormal condition before personnel were exposed to risk, Wendel demonstrated the behaviours we want to see across V.: vigilance, ownership, intervention, and care for others.
