Analysis of Grounding Accidents Caused by Human Error

Despite modern bridge equipment, new technologies, and improved safety measures, maritime accidents still occur, and an analysis of their causes is essential in preventing future accidents. Ship groundings are one of the more frequent types of accidents encountered, and this study examines the maritime accident reports issued for grounded ships between 1993 and 2011. These were sourced using the International Maritime Organization’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System and the reports published by the countries and relevant institutions that investigated the accidents. The grounding accidents are analysed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and the objective of this study is to act as an advisory paper on the prevention of grounding accidents involving human error. The results suggest that the most significant causes of these types of accidents are, lack of communication and coordination in Bridge Resource Management, position-fixing application errors, lookout errors, interpretation errors, use of improper charts, inefficient use of bridge navigation equipment, and fatigue. It is suggested that providing more education and training opportunities to seafarers, promoting widespread use on board of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, and improving seafarers’ working hours and rest breaks would help to reduce grounding accidents significantly.