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Casualty Analysis Methodology for Maritime Operations

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Investigating human errors in maritime accidents

An integrated methodology has been developed for the effective evaluation of human and organisational errors in maritime accidents.

Industrial Technologies icon Industrial Technologies

Research in the causes of maritime accidents in the recent past has demonstrated that, despite technological advancements, human and organisational errors (HOE) directly or indirectly account for up to 80% of all cases reported and analysed. This acquires increasing interest when it is anticipated that with the increased size of vessels and merchant transport worldwide, maritime accidents also represents potential damage to the environment. Therefore, the safety of personnel and the environment should be considered as dually important. In this context, a methodology has been developed for the investigation and analysis of maritime accidents that will adequately address HOE, in order to enable the investigating authority to address such accidents effectively. A thorough examination and critical evaluation of the available state-of-the-art approaches to accident investigations in literature and within industries, such as aviation, chemical and off-shore industry, was primarily conducted. Combining the best features of the different methods, a methodology was developed for adequately accounting for errors attributed to the human factor, in marine casualty. The aim of such a methodology is to increase investigation capacity by allowing for proper assessment of the causes that led to the occurrence of the accident, and ultimately, to prevent recurrence of such accidents. A significant advantage of the methodology is that a trained investigator can learn to apply it effectively, without requiring further expertise. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the methodology developed is available for immediate implementation by the different accident investigation authorities. Project web page: http://www.deslab.naval.ntua.gr/~webpage/casmet/

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