Tag: human error

As an underlying factor in many maritime claims, ‘human error’ remains a multi-debated safety issue for shipping, accounting for 80% of maritime accidents. But is ‘human error’ sufficient as a term to justify what goes wrong?

There have been several reports of incidents on Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessels where control was lost because the DP operator (DPO) failed to correctly switch control between different operating stations, notes Mr. John Southam, Loss Prevention Executive at North P&I Club highlighting ways to reduce the likelihood of serious position-loss incidents.

Following many investigations, Mr. Ivan Todorov, Senior Master Mariner at Brookes Bell Singapore has found that human error element is commonly not addressed when talking about crane rope failures. Beyond the common causes such as wire fatigue and overloading, there is usually a human error behind these causes. In the following article, Mr Todorov delves into how the human element is neglected, and what are some of the unsafe practices that can lead to crane rope failures.

OCIMF has published guidance on how to improve policies and procedures concerning the safe use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). SQE Marine issued a circular providing an overview of the key findings and sharing valuable respective recommendations.  

Ireland's MCIB issued an investigation report on the collision between the tanker 'Varkan Ege' and the sailing vessel 'Medi Mode' in Irish waters in August 2019. The investigation attributed the incident to a mix of misunderstanding, inefficient lookout and poor knowledge of COLREGs.  

As the 2019 nears its end and the festive season is on, SAFETY4SEA has made a list of the best books its editors read throughout the year, addressed to anyone forming part of the maritime industry or not. So, grab a book and let the Christmas holiday begin!

Japan P&I Club issued a Loss Prevention bulletin analyzing psychological factors affecting safety behaviour. More than 90% of all maritime accidents are said to be caused by human error. On examining the root cause, in most cases, this was down to inadequate prior inspection and careless mistakes. 

In the latest edition of its Safety Flashes, IMCA presents a near miss incident where a vessel gangway moved in an unplanned way and could have been lost overboard. The incident highlighted how a routine task can turn into a near miss. 

During the 2019 Hellenic American Maritime Forum in Athens, Mrs. Panagiota Chrysanthi, DDPA/EMR, Andriaki Shipping Co. Ltd, provided her opinion on safety challenges in the shipping industry, and the crucial role that human factor plays. As noted, from 2012-2016, 75% accidents were due to human error. She also added that the industry has not done enough to prevent human errors.

AMSA launched the 'Fatigue Survey - Domestic Commercial Vessels' focusing on the importance of seafarers' wellbeing when onboard. The survey aims to get an insight into how seafarers cope with fatigue in order to develop specific guidance, while also encourage safe management practices.