OPERATIONAL BENEFITS AND RISK REDUCTION OF MARINE ACCIDENTS

Safety is a crucial issue in densely sailed waterways. Traffic guidanc e systems (VTS) have proven to be valuable in this respect. The effect iveness of current systems and the benefits for improvements in naviga tion are addressed in this paper. Relevant incidents are analysed with a risk assessment tool (Accident Sequence Precursor method) developed for complex system analyses. The method is capable of drawing conclus ions on a high level: strategic and tactic events and the human errors associated with the navigator's task cycle. Changes in current vis sy stems will not likely improve safety records in dense areas. Improveme nts might best be achieved by reducing or eliminating the human factor in incident sequences.