The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has released its Falls Overboard Prevention Report, a data-driven analysis of incidents in the tugboat, towboat and barge sector, along with recommended strategies to reduce risks. The release coincides with the launch of AWO’s Falls Overboard Safety Standdown Day, scheduled for Aug. 28, 2025.
The report, developed with input from AWO member companies and case data, identifies common causal factors, adaptable solutions for a range of vessel types, and guidance for integrating prevention measures into company Safety Management Systems.
Key findings from the study include:
- Most falls overboard occurred on barges (68%).
- Two-thirds of incidents happened between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Experience level was not a reliable risk indicator, with nearly half of incidents involving mariners with two or more years of experience.
- Deckhands accounted for 52% of cases, followed by tankermen at 28%.
- Slip, trip and fall hazards were the leading contributing factor in 84% of incidents.
The AWO report also notes that falls overboard remain the leading cause of fatalities in the industry, despite an overall decline in annual crew fatalities since 2014. The analysis focused heavily on hazards associated with unguarded barge edges and considered mitigation measures that can be applied without introducing new risks or requiring significant vessel modifications.
AWO said that its Aug. 28 Standdown Day is intended as an opportunity for companies to pause operations briefly to discuss falls overboard prevention with crews. AWO has provided a participation guide with sample discussion prompts, and follow-up actions.
AWO president & CEO Jennifer Carpenter said in the announcement that the industry “is proud to be the safest mode of freight transportation in the United States” but remains committed to improvement. “We commit ourselves every day to doing better,” Carpenter said. “AWO is sharing our Falls Overboard Prevention Report to help companies across America keep mariners safe while moving our nation’s vital maritime commerce, and we encourage companies throughout the industry to join us on August 28 in raising awareness of this critical safety priority.”
