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Human error biggest safety risk on ships
Human error on cruise ships, as in Costa Concordia, is the biggest issue facing safety on ships, according to a new report.
The new Allianz Safety and Shipping review shows that ship losses have reduced mainly due to technology, training, regulation and a proactive response from the shipping industry to improve safety.
But it added human error remained the root cause of most incidents.
This can be anything from fatigue to economic pressure and inadequate training.
The Costa Concordia incident, where the cruise ship capsized off the coast of Italy in January last year claiming 32 lives, was the largest ship loss of 106 worldwide in 2013.
The number of losses was up from 91 the previous year but still shows a 27% decrease on the ten year average of 146 ships per annum.
The other big loss was the ferry, Rabaul Queen, off Papua New Guinea on February 2, also causing multiple fatalities.
Major shipping companies have initiated self-regulation initiatives post-Costa Concordia, with the Cruise Lines International Association and the European Cruise Council partnering up to lead the industry-wide voluntary adoption of policies that go beyond international regulatory requirements.
Technological improvements are expected to reduce accidents, but only when coupled with effective training and management oversight, the reports states.
"Technology is only as useful as the training behind it – and we don’t always see this human element keeping up with other advances.
"What we do see with the best ship-owners is a proactive safety management culture, going beyond the minimum standards and running from top to bottom of the organization.
"This can really make an impact in improving safety," said Dr Sven Gerhard of marine insurer, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty.
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