One missing seafarer: Zelim says situational awareness must be mandatory
Iain Hoey
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MAIB report prompts industry response
Zelim has called for mandatory use of advanced situational awareness systems following findings by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
The company said its position is based on the MAIB’s 2024 Annual Report and its preliminary investigation into the March 2025 collision between MV Solong and the oil tanker Stena Immaculate near the Humber Estuary.
According to MAIB, traditional reliance on human watchkeepers is insufficient in the digital era, as understimulated crews may disengage from monitoring tasks.
The body also found that the lack of real-time situational awareness technology contributed to the severity of the Solong and Stena Immaculate incident.
One crew member remains missing following the collision and fire, while 36 others were rescued.
Details of the Humber Estuary incident
On 10 March 2025, the Portugal-registered MV Solong collided with the anchored Stena Immaculate.
The collision ruptured a cargo tank and caused a major fire.
Emergency services evacuated 36 crew members.
One seafarer has not been found and is presumed dead.
MAIB said the absence of advanced monitoring technology made the incident more severe.
The preliminary report advised regulators to reassess the balance between human vigilance and digital monitoring systems.
Zelim calls for regulatory action
Zelim CEO Sam Mayall said: “We wholeheartedly support the MAIB’s position on this. By combining AI-powered cameras and real-time alerting, advanced technologies such as our ZOE system can help crews act faster, prevent incidents from escalating, and provide trusted records post-event.
“Beyond preventing collisions and man-overboard incidents, these systems can also provide critical forensic data to support investigations and regulatory compliance.
“Crucially, today’s situational awareness technology reduces reliance on human vigilance alone, allowing crews to focus where their judgment and experience matter most.”
India introduces new vessel regulation
Zelim noted that India’s Directorate General of Shipping has already mandated CCTV systems on domestic vessels of 500 GT and above.
The regulation came into effect earlier this year.
It requires full implementation by 2028.
The Indian regulation specifies placement of cameras, resolution standards, and integration with AI-driven monitoring.
According to the organisation, the systems are intended to provide proactive detection and alerting, rather than serve solely as surveillance tools.
Global implications for maritime safety
Mayall added: “Voluntary measures are no longer enough. To strengthen safety and security at sea, global regulators must follow India’s lead and mandate advanced situational awareness solutions. Smarter ships result in safer sea.”
The company argued that harmonised global regulation would reduce risks across shipping fleets.
It said this would also create consistency in investigative and compliance processes across jurisdictions.
Zelim confirmed it will continue to promote mandatory measures through engagement with regulators and industry partners.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The discussion of situational awareness systems highlights the wider importance of proactive monitoring across safety-critical sectors.
For fire and rescue services, the integration of AI-assisted detection and real-time alerts mirrors developments in incident response, fire investigation, and operational resilience.
The MAIB’s concerns about overreliance on human monitoring also parallel fire safety debates on building monitoring, command support tools, and crew welfare.
The call for regulatory frameworks provides a reference point for those engaged in developing or assessing safety standards in maritime and other high-risk environments.
Zelim urges global mandate for situational awareness at sea: Summary
Zelim has called for mandatory situational awareness systems at sea.
The call followed findings in the Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s 2024 Annual Report.
The MAIB report highlighted limits of human watchkeepers in the digital era.
The MAIB also cited lack of real-time situational awareness as a factor in the Solong and Stena Immaculate collision.
That incident occurred on 10 March 2025 near the Humber Estuary.
The collision ruptured a cargo tank, causing a major fire.
Thirty-six crew were rescued from the ships.
One seafarer remains missing and presumed dead.
Zelim CEO Sam Mayall said AI-powered systems can provide faster alerts and trusted records.
He added that such systems reduce reliance on human vigilance alone.
India’s Directorate General of Shipping has mandated CCTV systems on domestic vessels of 500 GT and above.
The regulation requires full implementation by 2028.
It sets camera placement, resolution, and AI integration requirements.
Zelim said global regulators should adopt mandatory situational awareness rules.
The company confirmed it will continue to press for action with regulators and industry partners.