Ships are built for adventure—but that adventure must be safe. At sea, safety drills are not just routine—they’re lifelines. Whether it’s a fire emergency or lifeboat launch, drills prepare the crew to react swiftly under high-pressure scenarios. Mandated by SOLAS and the ISM Code, these drills require strict adherence, detailed logs, and constant oversight. However, manual monitoring is prone to human error, inconsistent observation, and overlooked safety gaps.

Enter AI and computer vision—a game-changer in the maritime safety landscape. Integrated through advanced maritime compliance software, this technology allows machines to interpret visual inputs, detect patterns, and analyze crew performance during drills with unmatched precision. It identifies safety equipment, monitors crew movements, and flags incorrect actions like missed vent closures or loose harnesses in real time. By doing so, it helps minimize drill errors and improves overall safety readiness.

Computer vision can detect whether crew members are properly equipped, if their movements follow protocol, and whether procedures like hose deployment or vent shutdowns are correctly executed. More importantly, it provides instant, unbiased feedback, giving crew members clear, timestamped insights rather than waiting for traditional debriefs.

In a recent onboard fire drill, AI video analysis proved its value. A high-pressure scenario was simulated in the vessel's engine room—one of the most fire-prone areas. Multiple cameras, including overhead CCTV and helmet cams, captured the exercise. The AI system reviewed over 20 minutes of footage and flagged three key safety issues: a delay in vent closure, an unfastened BA harness, and a kinked hose. Instead of reviewing the entire drill, the safety officer received four short annotated video clips highlighting the exact problems with visual markers. This led to a faster, more effective debrief.

Beyond review efficiency, AI helps shift the safety officer’s role from observer to coach. While AI captures every detail, officers can focus on guiding and improving crew behavior. Over time, patterns in mistakes and response times also support more targeted training.

Despite initial concerns, adopting maritime AI in safety operations is a strategic step forward. Transparent communication, phased implementation, and clear data privacy protocols can help crews embrace this supportive technology.

AI doesn’t replace human judgment—it amplifies it. With smart adoption, safety drills evolve from routine checks to powerful training sessions that minimize drill errors, save time, reduce risk, and ultimately, save lives. In an industry where every second matters, AI is proving to be a reliable partner in building safer, more responsive maritime operations.