UK P&I Club launches competition to improve safety at sea

(Posted on 21/06/18)

UK P&I Club, a leading provider of P&I insurance and other services to the international shipping community, has launched its ‘Investing in a Safer Tomorrow’ competition to coincide with its 150th anniversary. The competition, which has a prize fund of $50,000, challenges students and those embarking on a maritime career both at sea and on shore, to develop innovative, industry changing ideas with a focus on improving safety at sea.

Teams of up to four or individuals are invited to propose an improvement to any element of sea safety – from developments in seafarer wellbeing through to a tangible invention to improve physical safety or navigation.

Participants will have the opportunity to share their ideas on a global platform, with shortlisted candidates gaining access to maritime industry experts and a chance to expand their professional network. Finalists will be flown, all expenses paid, to the UK in June 2019 to attend the UK P&I Club’s 150th Gala Dinner in London and the winning team or individual will receive a prize fund of $30,000 with second place being awards $15,000 and third place $5,000.

In the first stage of the competition, entrants will outline basic information regarding their concept and how it could improve safety in the industry, submitting required written and visual documentation by 30 November 2018. After assessment by UK P&I Club, based on criteria such as originality, relevancy and simplicity, shortlisted entrants will be invited to meet with UK P&I Club’s Loss Prevention team, master mariners and business leaders to help to develop their ideas.

The shortlisted competitors will then have four months to complete their proposals and produce a video, whitepaper or presentation for the final judging and prize award at the Gala Dinner on 20 June 2019. Judging will be carried out by UK Club Board Members, Thomas Miller senior leaders and external industry experts.

Hugo-Wynn Williams, Chairman of Thomas Miller P&I, said: “We are extremely proud of our 150-year heritage, but it is also vital to look forward to ensure that shipping remains ready for the challenges of the future. The ‘Investing in a Safer Tomorrow’ competition reaffirms our commitment to improving safety at sea and fostering innovation in the industry. Shipping has a rich history of creativity and invention, and attracting new talent to the industry will help create the thought leaders of tomorrow.”