For many seafarers, speaking up about safety concerns is not as simple as it should be. Fear of retaliation, or even losing their job, can stop people from reporting incidents that, left unaddressed, could lead to serious harm. That’s where the Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP) steps in.
CHIRP is an independent, confidential reporting programme that allows seafarers to raise safety concerns when they do not feel able to do so through traditional channels. Its focus is not on blame, but on understanding what went wrong and why, and on making sure lessons are learned before someone gets hurt.
An independent voice for seafarers
Originally established in aviation in 1982, CHIRP was created to meet the need for a truly independent reporting system, free from the influence of employers or regulators. In 2003, the model was extended into the maritime sector, recognising that seafaring presents many of the same challenges when it comes to reporting safety issues.
Today, CHIRP's team supports seafarers worldwide. As Adam Parnell, maritime director at CHIRP, explains, the organisation exists to give seafarers a place to turn when they do not feel psychologically safe to report concerns elsewhere.
'People come to us because they fear reprisals, ridicule, or retaliation,” Adam says. “Our role is to keep their identity confidential while advocating for the safety issue itself.'
CHIRP does not replace company reporting systems. Instead, it complements them — acting as an independent advocate when communication breaks down or concerns are not being addressed.
Life-threatening situations
The reports CHIRP receives span a wide spectrum. Some relate to everyday safety concerns, such as poorly rigged pilot ladders or unsafe working practices that may have become normalised over time. Others are far more serious.
Adam notes: 'In some cases, we’ve had reports from seafarers who believe they are working on sanctioned or illegal vessels, fearing for their personal safety after raising concerns onboard.'
In these situations, CHIRP can escalate issues beyond individual companies, engaging flag states, insurers, or port state control to help ensure action is taken. Around 85% of the time, companies take proactive action once an issue is raised. 99% of those who report issues share positive feedback on CHIRP’s actions.
Turning data into learning
In addition to advocacy, CHIRP analyses the reports it receives to identify wider trends across the maritime sector. By looking beyond individual incidents, the organisation helps decision-makers understand the human factors that sit behind many safety issues.
Adam says: 'Across vessel types — from fishing boats to cruise ships — three themes consistently emerge: situational awareness, distraction, and communication. These factors are often influenced by workload, fatigue, vessel design, and onboard culture.
“By sharing anonymised case studies and trend analysis with regulators, industry bodies, and international organisations, we help to ensure that lessons learned by one crew can benefit many others.'
CHIRP’s evidence has been presented at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and has informed guidance issued by flag states and standards bodies.
How we helped
CHIRP’s work in maritime has been supported by The Seafarers’ Charity for many years. When government funding for the programme was withdrawn in the late 2000s, The Seafarers’ Charity stepped in to ensure it could continue.
Since then, the charity’s funding has enabled CHIRP to focus resources where they can have the greatest impact. This includes grants for core staff time to manage and investigate reports, as well as outreach and awareness-raising through publications, newsletters, videos, and a podcast series that reached almost 100,000 listeners in just three months.
Our charity has also helped CHIRP connect with a wider network of organisations across the sector, from fishing safety groups to welfare charities, strengthening collaboration and shared learning.
Looking ahead
As a small charity with a big remit, CHIRP is working to improve efficiency through automation, allowing it to handle a growing number of reports while freeing up time for deeper engagement with stakeholders.
Adam adds: 'Some of our future priorities include addressing safety risks linked to the “shadow fleet”, preparing the sector for the challenges posed by electric vehicle fires on board ships, expanding engagement with the fishing community, and launching a new reporting pathway for bullying, harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. These are issues which often sit beneath the surface of safety incidents.'
By listening to seafarers’ lived experiences and turning them into action, CHIRP plays a vital role in making life at sea safer for everyone.
