Oil Spill Response
Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Oil Spills Are Not Just Environmental Disasters Oil spills are often perceived primarily as environmental catastrophes, but their consequences are far-reaching, impacting financial, legal, and reputational standing as well. The immediate actions taken after a spill can determine how severe the environmental […]
Search & Rescue
Why SAR success depends more on preparation and coordination than heroics Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – SAR Is a System, Not an Event Search and Rescue is often imagined as a dramatic moment: a helicopter hover, a lifeboat alongside, survivors pulled from the sea. In reality, SAR […]
Emergency Response & Contingency
1. Grounding – Immediate Actions & Decision-Making Introduction Grounding is one of the most serious navigational incidents that a ship can face. The immediate actions taken by the crew can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a full-scale disaster. The first few minutes after grounding are critical — acting quickly, but carefully, is […]
Port State Control (PSC)
How ships really get detained — and how professionals prevent it Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. What Port State Control Actually Is Port State Control is not an audit, and it is not advisory. PSC is the enforcement arm of international maritime law when a ship enters a foreign […]
ISPS
Maritime Security in Practice The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was established following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and is designed to enhance the security of ships and port facilities worldwide. As part of the SOLAS amendments in 2002, the ISPS Code provides a regulatory framework for managing security threats, […]
SOLAS
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulations The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the cornerstone of maritime safety law, primarily designed to ensure that ships are equipped with the necessary equipment and procedures to protect life, property, and the marine environment. Adopted in 1914 following the sinking of the […]
Root Cause Analysis in Incident Investigations
Root Cause Analysis in Incident Investigations Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Why Root Cause Analysis Is Key to Prevention Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is the cornerstone of effective incident investigation. Understanding the root cause of an incident is the only way to prevent recurrence. Without RCA, companies […]
Error Reporting and Incident Investigation
How to learn from mistakes without repeating them Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – The Importance of Learning from Incidents In any high-risk industry, incident reporting and investigation are vital parts of improving safety. Shipping is no different. Each mistake or accident, no matter how small, is a […]
Human Error Prevention
How to stop human error before it starts, through systems, culture, and leadership Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Why Training Alone Will Never Be Enough Most maritime training focuses on specific technical skills: how to tie a knot, handle a rope, navigate with charts, etc. But human […]
Human Error in Mooring Operations
How even small lapses in procedure create fatal mooring accidents Contents Use the links below to jump to any section: 1. Introduction – Why Human Error Is the Leading Cause of Mooring Failures Mooring operations are high-risk and high-pressure, and human error remains the leading cause of failures. While equipment malfunction or harsh weather can […]