5 Steps to Staying Afloat | Drowning Prevention Day 2025

The purpose of Drowning Prevention Day is to raise awareness and inform others on the life-saving steps you can take to prevent drowning.

Taking place on the 25th of July, Drowning Prevention Day aligns with the start of the summer holidays, a time when thousands flock to the coasts and swim in the sea.

Lifeguard enforcing drowning prevention on a busy beach — *Credit: RNLI*

A tragic average of 300,000 people, globally, drown annually, a statistic that is far too high. In an attempt to reduce the excessive number of drowning casualties, this national day teaches individuals how to survive and save their peers.

The 2025 Drowning Prevention Day Focus

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we are focusing on RNLI’s excellent “Float To Live” campaign and reinforcing the steps individuals can take if they do find themselves starting to drown.

Whether you are swimming in a pool or in the sea during the summer, there should always be a trained safety professional nearby. Lifeguards, Coastguards, and the RNLI are always on call to deal with drowning emergencies. However, depending on the tide, how far from shore you are and how busy the area is, rescue can take time. It is important to be prepared to remain calm and wait.

Here we will cover the key steps to staying afloat and what you should do if you panic and begin to drown.

What to do if you start drowning

Relax: As difficult as this may seem at the time, relaxing your body will increase buoyancy and conserve your energy. Especially in colder waters, it’s incredibly crucial that you conserve your energy by moving as little as possible.
Keep your face above the water with your ears submerged: When you begin drowning, the main focus is keeping your nose and mouth above water, keeping your airways clear.
Keep your arms beneath the surface and move them in small circular motions: Having your arms break the water’s surface will increase your chances of becoming submerged. Performing small circular motions with your arms will act as a form of treading water and will shift the focus from panic to.
If you can, raise your arm and signal for help: During the summer, the coastguard and lifeguards will be on the lookout for incidents, but also the busy beaches means that you’re more likely to be spotted. So, if you are unable to lift your arm or signal for help, it may only take a little longer for the situation to be noticed.
Try to swim to safety: Even the strongest of swimmers can find themselves in trouble in the water, but it’s vital that you point your head towards safety and continue with circular arm motions beneath the water, helping you to drift in the right direction.

Our Mission at the MSA

Our purpose at the MSA is Setting New Standards Together. Our training is specifically designed to improve the safety of seafarers both during their roles onboard and in the event of emergencies ashore.

people on a rescue drill at an indoor pool

As part of the STCW Basic Safety Training course, our expert instructors teach Personal Survival Techniques (PST). This course trains delegates to be prepared for an abandon ship scenario. Using our full weather simulation survival pool, we can train crew to survive in the water, upright life rafts, rescue casualties, and make their way to safety.

If you are interested in participating in a Personal Survival Techniques course, contact us today to find out more.

The Importance of Leadership Training for Crew On Board Ships 

Leadership training ensures that industry leaders’ skills and knowledge are up-to-date and of a high standard. With over 90% of trade goods being transported by sea, having strong leaders who can enhance crew efficiency is essential in the operation of modern global trade.

Despite the maritime industry’s extensive technological advancements, it remains dependent on the crew that operate its vessels. The importance of crew members means safeguarding and seafarer support remain indispensable.

Ensuring Safety at Sea 

It is the role of industry leaders to maintain safety on board the vessel they are responsible for. Leadership training ensures officers and other leaders can enforce safety regulations and maintain vessel company culture, even in emergencies.

In the event of an emergency, crew members will look to their leaders for guidance and instructions.

With leadership training, leading crew members will be well-equipped with the skills they need to keep their team calm and proactive in emergency situations. If crew members trust their superiors to handle high-pressure situations effectively, onboard morale will naturally increase.

Enhancing Teamwork and Morale 

Efficient leadership teams should encourage teamwork and regular activities among crew to promote strong onboard relationships. A seafarer’s job can be stressful from time to time; having to face extended periods away from home, confined spaces, and potential feelings of isolation. However, having access to leadership figures can increase motivation and alleviate the concerns of crew. Strong and reliable leadership has proven to sustain high morale on board and therefore is crucial for the overall outcome of a crew’s mental well-being.

Improving Operational Efficiency On Board

Trained vessel leaders are taught how to organise and prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor performance effectively. Having organisational skills and being able to enforce this on board will improve the running of daily operations, minimise downtime and reduce operational costs.

Adapting to Technological Advancements 

Technological advancements are constantly being introduced on board vessels, and crew are increasingly being required to learn and use new systems. Leadership training teaches officers problem-solving and adaptability, enabling them to guide and mentor their teams through the introduction of new systems and technologies.

Having educated leaders on board your vessel reduces the risk of neglecting technological advancements and ensures adherence to industry best practices.

Compliance with Regulations and Standards 

One way to maintain safety amongst leaders is to follow regulations. At the Maritime Skills Academy, we offer initial and refresher training in industry-standard certifications. Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers is a regulated certification that ensures all seafarers are competent and prepared to respond to emergencies.

External shot of the Maritime Skills Academy

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a regulatory body that enforces adherence to industry requirements. Leaders on board a vessel need to have training that supports their job functions to ensure they are confident and qualified to support the safeguarding of their team.

Core Components of Maritime Leadership Training 

Our leadership training for maritime professionals includes: 

Emotional intelligence: Leaders who are self-aware and understand the impact of their personality and behaviours on others are better at engaging with their teams.
Decision-Making Skills: By simulating real-world scenarios, our training helps leaders make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
Communication: By teaching clear, concise, and respectful communication practices, our leadership training helps to build a structured and communicative ethos.
Conflict Resolution: Our leadership training equips participants with strategies to resolve disputes amicably and maintain harmony onboard.
Crisis Management: Our bespoke facilities simulate real-world scenarios to prepare leaders to handle emergencies such as fires, equipment failures, and medical issues.
Cultural Sensitivity: Educating leaders on cultural differences to enhance their understanding and cooperation in multicultural team environments.

By prioritising leadership training, the maritime industry can navigate the challenges of today and chart a course for a more secure tomorrow. It’s no secret that people are the drivers of maritime operations, and supporting crew continues to be as significant as ever.

In partnership with BZ Maritime Leadership, the Maritime Skills Academy is pleased to deliver Maritime Leadership Training.

BZ Maritime visit MSA Dover to announce the introduction of leadership training partnership

Providing a range of leadership development and human capability training for professionals operating in both on board and shoreside roles. Our training equips professionals with leadership and human capabilities to perform safely and excel in their roles.

Training will upskill less experienced leaders and crew, while also accelerating the professional growth of those who are already well-practised or more advanced in their career journeys. 

To find out more about our Maritime Leadership Training get in touch with our team today to learn more info@vikingmsa.com

Entry into Enclosed Space: 5 Responsibilities of Safety and Senior Officers

Building on the vital discussions from the 2025 Joint Industry Workshop and the UK Chamber of Shipping Safety Culture Conference, it is clear that addressing the risks of entry into enclosed space requires more than awareness – it requires hands-on competency, clear responsibilities, and leadership at the officer level.

Safety officers are responsible for ensuring the ship’s crew is prepared to face emergencies in enclosed spaces. This includes maintaining a safety culture onboard and enforcing industry safety procedures.

three delegates gathered around small trap door preparing for enclosed space entry

Senior Officers’ Safety Responsibility

1. Lead by Example.

Having a Senior Officer who is proactive and educated on industry regulations will encourage crew members to follow suit. Make safety procedures a key topic when onboarding new crew, creating presentations and upskilling to continue the reinforcement of the importance of safety.

2. Coordinating Rescue Plans

Rescue planning must be part of any entry into enclosed space operation. Safety officers should be able to:

Have a written rescue plan prepared before entering an enclosed space.
Identify and brief the standby team.
Make sure rescue equipment is readily available on board. This includes harnesses, retrieval lines, and stretchers.
Confirm the presence of a working oxygen resuscitator and emergency breathing apparatus.

3. Risk Evaluation and Atmosphere Testing

The officer must oversee pre-entry atmosphere checks using calibrated multi-gas detectors to monitor oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic vapours. The officer should continue monitoring throughout the operation.

4. Use of the Oxygen Resuscitator

An oxygen resuscitator must be readily accessible, and its use must be familiar to at least two crew members at all times. Oxygen resuscitator safety should be maintained by:

Operating procedures for oxygen resuscitation devices.
CPR in conjunction with oxygen delivery.
Weekly inspection and maintenance checks to ensure readiness.

5. Training and Drills

Safety officers are responsible for running entry into enclosed space drills. These should reflect realistic conditions, including:

Time-limited rescue scenarios.
Communications drills with the bridge and standby teams.
Deployment and operation of recovery equipment.

Creating Competent Leadership Through Practical Training

Effective enclosed space management depends on more than technical knowledge. Officers must be trained in leadership and communication, ensuring crew understand not only the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind each safety step.

Training programmes should include:

Tabletop exercises with scenario-based decision-making.
Peer review of recent enclosed space entries and near misses.
Simulation-based practical assessments.

Safety officers and senior crew have a critical responsibility in the successful planning, execution, and emergency management of entry into enclosed spaces. With practical and scenario-based training, we can begin to maintain the safety of the crew. Training reinforces the safety ethos, reduces risks and saves lives.

two delegates recovering casualty as part of an entry into enclosed space courses

The Maritime Skills Academy offers an MNTB Entry into Enclosed Space training course, which we can tailor to meet the company’s procedures. These sessions, which usually run over three days, will provide officers and crew with the necessary skills to evaluate risks correctly, create safe rescue plans, and gain a better understanding of the hazards and emergency precautions when entering enclosed spaces.

With course availability for 2026, you can book here.