SAFECO - Safety of Shipping in Coastal Waters
Overview
Background & policy context:
Marine accident risk levels in highly frequented coastal waters like the North Sea have not been comprehensively addressed by traffic studies. International maritime rules are nowadays not uniform in their application by port and flag states, with a tendency towards further divergence, thus causing competitive disadvantages to quality operators. The majority of shipping accidents and related environmental damage can be attributed to operational procedures and human factors. To improve this situation, maritime policies, rules and regulations have to be reconsidered in order to ensure a uniform safety level.
Objectives:
SAFECO aimed to increase the safety of shipping in European coastal waters by analysing the underlying factors that contribute to the maritime accident risk level. The project's goal has been to supply policymakers, regulators and actors in the shipping community with a modelling framework to allow the comprehensive evaluation of potential shipping risks and the measures supporting total quality operation of ships.
The main objectives of SAFECO have been to:
- investigate improved Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS), improved crew competence through simulator training and improved ship management (complying with ISM codes);
- consider improved propulsion system reliability, improved hull design and maintenance for vessels;
- examine improved manoeuvring capabilities (complying with IMO codes) and improved bridge equipment, e.g. the implementation of collision avoidance systems on all vessels.
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