✅ A Poem That Could Save a Life at Sea

Safety onboard isn’t just a checklist item. It’s a matter of life and death. For seafarers, one overlooked moment can change everything.

I still remember the first time I heard this safety poem.

It was during an annual company conference, recited by our superintendent with such passion that the lines carved themselves into my memory.

The message hit home, especially for someone who’s spent years navigating the unpredictable world of shipboard life.

With limited resources and remote emergency response at sea, we often only have each other- and our choices.

Whether you’re a deck cadet or a chief engineer, your vigilance directly impacts everyone’s safety.

📜 A Poem About Safety and Regret That Stays With You

The following poem by Don Merrell, titled “I Chose to Look the Other Way”, is shared with permission and stands as a stark reminder of what’s at stake when we remain silent in the face of unsafe practices.

I Chose to Look The Other Way
By Don Merrell

I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care,
I had the time, and I was there.

But I didn’t want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before,
If I spoke up, he might get sore.

The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’d done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.

He took the chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.

I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.

Now every time I see his wife,
I’ll know, I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear,
But it isn’t something you need share.

If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their health or life at stake.
The question asked, or thing you say,
Could help them live another day.

If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.

(Email: [email protected])

💡 Why This Poem Strikes Deep for Seafarers

The first few lines alone are powerful enough to leave a lasting impression. But the rest drives the point deeper.

I first heard this poem in 2009, early in my maritime career, and I could already relate to its message.

I’ve witnessed situations where safety was compromised for the sake of speed or convenience.

Thankfully, no serious incidents occurred under my watch. But there were many near misses.

Safety Culture at Sea – What Happens When We Stay Silent

🚫 The Cost of Silence: When Safety Takes a Back Seat

As a deck cadet, I often found it difficult to raise safety concerns- especially when deadlines were tight or senior officers dismissed them as overreactions.

Sadly, this isn’t uncommon on many ships.

It’s easy to recall a time when someone said:

“I’ve done this a million times even before you were born. Don’t tell me about that safety stuff.”

Statements like these shut down valid concerns. But experience doesn’t make anyone invincible.

Overconfidence and routine are silent threats to safety.

🧭 The Pressure of Hierarchy and Fear of Conflict

Onboard ships, hierarchy matters.

When senior seafarers disregard procedures, speaking up often feels like mutiny even when lives are at stake.

I’ve seen cases where crew members avoided confrontation just to keep the peace, only to face the guilt of “what if” later.

🔑 Tip: These behavioral risks fall under Crew Resource Management (CRM), a concept promoting communication and decision-making among teams especially when safety is involved.

Arguing over a safety rule may cause friction, but silence could cost a life.

And worse, if something goes wrong, the blame may fall on you even if you weren’t the one breaking the rule.

⚠️ Positive Intervention: Speak Up, Even If It’s Uncomfortable

It takes courage to intervene, especially if the person at risk is difficult to deal with. But seafaring isn’t a solo job.

If a crewmate is doing something unsafe, speak up, or if direct confrontation may cause conflict, talk to someone they respect who can deliver the message.

Remember:
✔ It’s not about ego.
✔ It’s not about who’s right.
✔ It’s about keeping everyone alive.

✅ Pro tip: “Time Out for Safety” is a proven onboard practice you can call for when you feel something isn’t right, even mid-task.

🌍 Safety Mindset Beyond the Vessel

The best part of developing a safety-first mindset onboard is that it eventually spills into other parts of your life.

You start noticing hazards even when off-duty or during shore leave.

You become more alert and responsible not just for yourself, but for your crew and your family back home.

When ships avoid incidents and delays, charterers are more confident, marine insurance costs stay low, and reputations are protected. Everyone wins.

✅ Final Takeaway: Don’t Let Regret Be Your Lesson

The poem by Don Merrell isn’t just a reminder, it’s a warning. It speaks to all of us who have ever hesitated to act when something felt wrong.

Every seafarer has a duty not just to follow safety procedures, but to protect each other when the procedures are ignored.

The next time you’re on watch, assisting on deck, or handling cargo operations- be the person who speaks up.

🧠 “If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.”

❓ FAQ: Seafarer Safety and Intervention

Q: What is the main message of the poem “I Chose to Look the Other Way”?

A: It reminds readers that ignoring unsafe practices- even when uncomfortable, can lead to fatal consequences and lifelong regret.

Q: Can a junior crew member raise safety concerns?

A: Absolutely. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of rank. Speak up or report it to someone who can intervene safely.

Q: What is “Time Out for Safety” onboard ships?

A: It’s a practice where any crew member can pause work if they believe a task is unsafe. It helps prevent accidents before they escalate.

Q: How does safety awareness impact ship operations?

A: A strong safety culture reduces incidents, lowers insurance premiums, avoids delays, and improves crew morale and charterer trust.

🧭 Call to Action

If this poem changed your perspective even a little, share it with your crewmates, safety officer, or cadets onboard.

Remind them that safety isn’t just a rule, it’s a choice we make every day.

🛟 Be the voice that saves a life.

📝 Got a safety story or lesson to share? Post it in the comments or send it to us. We might feature it on CaptainsMode.com.

May the winds be in your favor.