Safety Starts With Me: A Culture Built on Personal Responsibility

In the complex and demanding world of maritime operations, safety is not just a checklist—it's a mindset. And at the heart of that mindset is one simple, yet powerful truth: Safety starts with me.

Every individual—onboard and ashore—plays a critical role in maintaining a safe working environment. While systems, policies, and procedures are essential in ensuring operational safety, they can only be effective when each person takes ownership of their behavior, actions, and decisions. That’s why cultivating a culture of personal responsibility is crucial for building a resilient and proactive safety culture.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. A strong culture starts with owning our actions—onboard and ashore.

Why Personal Responsibility Matters

Accidents often stem not just from technical failures, but from a momentary lapse in judgment, an overlooked detail, or a decision made under pressure. When we internalize the belief that we are each responsible for safety—not just our own, but our colleagues’ as well—we become more alert, more aware, and more prepared to act.

Taking ownership means:

• Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right

• Following procedures even when no one is watching

• Helping a colleague stay safe, especially in high-risk tasks

• Asking for help when unsure, instead of taking unnecessary risks

From Compliance to Culture

A truly safe environment cannot be sustained by rules alone. It must be driven by culture. And culture is built by people.

At Wilhelmsen Ship Management, we promote a “Just Culture” framework where individuals are encouraged to speak up, report near misses, and share lessons learned without fear of blame. We believe that safety is a shared value, not just a shared responsibility. Through continuous training, leadership commitment, and open dialogue, we aim to empower every team member to say confidently: “I am responsible for safety.”

Open dialogue, continuous learning, and shared responsibility—this is how we build a stronger safety culture together.

Leading by Example

Leadership in safety doesn’t require a title. It requires action. When seafarers and shore staff lead by example—wearing the right PPE, doing proper risk assessments, or coaching junior crew—they inspire others to do the same.

Safety is a collective effort, but it starts with the individual. It starts with me. It starts with you.

Let’s keep safety personal, proactive, and powerful—because the safest operations begin with each of us.