News 08 May, 2026 The Dangers of Ro-Ro Vehicle Decks Marcus Winchester Loss Prevention Officer The maritime industry has witnessed a concerning pattern of safety incidents involving moving traffic on Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel decks, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in cargo operations that continue to pose significant risks to crew members and passengers.  Download PDF The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published their final report into the accidental crushing of a crew member aboard a Ro-Ro vessel whilst the vessel was engaged in cargo operations. This tragic incident follows a disturbing spate of similar incidents that have occurred in recent years, demonstrating the continued and evolving dangers that may be posed to crew and passengers moving around on vehicle decks during loading and unloading operations. The frequency of such incidents underscores fundamental challenges within the Ro-Ro ferry industry, where the pressure to maintain tight schedules and maximise cargo capacity often conflicts with optimal safety practices. These vessels handle millions of passengers and vehicles annually across hundreds of routes. The inherent nature of Ro-Ro operations, involving the movement of large, heavy vehicles in confined spaces with limited visibility, creates an environment where even minor procedural lapses can result in significant consequences. Incident Analysis Initial Circumstances and Operational Context The incident occurred shortly after loading operations had commenced on both the main and upper vehicle decks of the vessel during a routine cargo handling procedure. The bosun, representing the most experienced deck crew member present, was assigned responsibility for coordinating loading operations on the upper vehicle deck and was assisted by two ordinary seamen. This crew configuration, while seemingly adequate, would later prove insufficient for maintaining comprehensive safety oversight across the complex loading operati