Call: (+232) 72-641729
Email: info@igr-sl.org
Call: (+232) 72-641729
Email: info@igr-sl.org
Significant Progress
In 2025, 61 accidents occurred, 13 deaths and 2,039 survivors, meaning more survivors per accident. This was achieved through a range of measures: - 5 additional fast crafts and 1 new multi-functional vessel were added to fleet of SAR vessels operating in the riverine districts. - 20 unmanned locations are now being regulated; with maritime traffic regulators and local community volunteers employed to cater for the expansion. - SLMA trained and certified 500 local motorized vessels. - A steady flow of 2500 life jackets were distributed on an annual basis, to artisanal fisherfolks, local passenger vessels and crew. - Efforts started to domestic the SOLAS Convention setting the standard safety of life at sea with a law tabled in parliament. Sierra Leone also signed with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for the development of its hydrographic capacity Plan.
" In 2022, accident/survivor death ratio was high. 16 maritime accidents, 37 deaths and 315 survivors Maritime administration had only 3 functional Fast Crafts, one fire-fighting boat and a SAR vessel deployed at sea Only a few life-saving appliances were available at sea and manpower coverage was limited There was no National Hydrographic Plan for Sierra Leone and the international conventions for safety at sea, Like SOLAS were not domesticated leading to weak regulatory environment was a threat for enforcement and risk."
Accident-survivor ratio in increased by December 2025. From an average 19 lives saved in every accident in 2022 to 33 lives in 2025. Maritime administration significantly improved its capacity with training and equipment. The Hydrographic plan provides mariners both local and international with the requisite information for the prevention of navigation related accidents/incidents. However, engine failure and bad weather continue to be the biggest cause of accident at sea. Achieving safety of life and property at sea can only be improved with enforcement of internationally acceptable standards. Sierra Leone’s classification as a Flag of Convenience State (FoC) where foreign vessels register to evade stricter regulations is not helping matters.