Irish Port Safety Week 2025 has wrapped up, and this year’s focus on water safety has sent a clear message: the maritime environment demands respect, and safety is a collective responsibility. The week-long campaign, organised by the Irish Port Safety Forum and backed by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), saw ports across Ireland rally around the theme of water safety, reinforcing the critical role it plays in daily operations.
Dublin Port, Ireland’s largest facility, led the charge with a packed schedule of workshops, demonstrations, and training sessions. The port’s Harbour Master, Michael McKenna, emphasised the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement. “This marks Dublin Port’s fifth year participating in Irish Port Safety Week, a collaborative initiative that unites Port Authorities across Ireland in a collective mission to elevate safety standards,” he said. The port’s commitment to safety is evident in its Dublin SafePort initiative, launched in 2022, which has become a cornerstone of its operational culture.
The week’s activities were not just about raising awareness but also about practical application. Live drills, hands-on training, and public engagement activities were organised to ensure that safety measures are not just theoretical but actionable. The HSA launched a new code of practice for the Safe Use of Industrial Trucks, and port employees participated in CPR and self-defence training, guided safety tours, and a mental health talk by New York-born author and advocate Rory O’Connor. These sessions underscored the multifaceted nature of port safety, which encompasses physical, mental, and operational well-being.
The collaboration extended beyond the port’s immediate community. Exercises by the RNLI, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Síochána complemented the port’s training programme, demonstrating how land, marine, and cargo-handling operations are interlinked in maintaining safe port environments. Road safety checks and infrastructure tours further highlighted the interconnectedness of safety measures.
Cork and Waterford ports also made significant contributions to the week’s activities. At the Port of Cork Company, HSA Inspector Gerald McSweeney met with teams at the Tivoli Terminal to discuss regulatory updates and best practice. The emphasis was on continuous improvement and shared accountability for safety across all functions. The Port of Waterford concluded the week with the theme “Building a Safer Port, Together.” Highlights included a live man-overboard rescue exercise with Waterford City River Rescue (CRBI), digital safety clinics hosted by Dulann, and CPR workshops sponsored by Seamus Healy Mooring Ltd. The port also made a donation to the Dillon Quirke Foundation, supporting cardiac screening for young people.
The Irish initiative reflects a growing international movement to embed safety and sustainability into port operations. Globally, port authorities are aligning with safety management frameworks, such as the IMO’s mandatory International Safety Management Code. Irish Port Safety Week shows how these principles translate into practice on the ground—whether on the quay, in cargo-handling areas, or aboard vessels.
The week’s events demonstrated that safety is not a once-a-year campaign but a daily commitment. From mental health to maritime rescue and cargo-handling protocols, the breadth of this year’s events showed that the industry’s approach to safety continues to evolve. Integrating technology, teamwork, and compassion stands as an example of how shared learning can make operations safer for everyone, from dockside to bridge deck.
As the maritime industry continues to navigate the challenges of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and global trade, the lessons from Irish Port Safety Week 2025 serve as a reminder that safety must remain at the heart of all operations. The collective effort and collaboration seen during the week are a testament to the industry’s commitment to creating a safer, more sustainable maritime environment.