A new tool to boost safety on vessels through effective leadership has been published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

This comprehensive ‘Leading for safety’ publication will provide leaders in the maritime sector with cutting edge guidance on how to create or enhance a culture of safety explaining how to implement standards through their leadership style.

Developed through research both in the maritime and other hazardous industries, it confirms the significant impact of leaders on the safety of operations and goes further than ever before in providing guidance on the “how-to”.

Extensive consultation with industry allowed the MCA to explore all the different elements that affect safety and allow us to demonstrate how leaders are crucial with explanations on the use of human element principles such as self-awareness to create a culture of safety.

Virginia McVea, Chief Executive Officer for the MCA said:

"The safety of those at sea is our top priority at MCA and we know well how hard leaders in the sector work day and night to protect the public and their teams.

"This guidance acknowledges the real pressures seafarers face and provides practical guidance on how everyone can be led effectively to take responsibility for safety."

Visit GOV.UK to read the Leading for Safety publication.