The Maritime Union believes the maritime sector could have safety issues as endemic as those in the forestry sector.

Ten forestry workers died in 2013, sparking widespread outrage.

And with the number of maritime worker deaths mounting in recent years, National Secretary Joe Fleetwood says attitudes need to change.

"Long extended hours, casualisation in the industry is a very big problem now the skills have been debated down."

Joe Fleetwood is calling for an inquiry into port and maritime safety.