Overlooked Risks and Lessons Learned in Passenger Ferry Operations

Passenger safety onboard a vessel is paramount and must never be overlooked

Passenger ferries are lifelines for communities, connecting people and places across waters safely and efficiently. However, safety is never guaranteed without meticulous planning and vigilant operations. A recent statement from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) highlights a critical lapse that led to a preventable incident, shedding light on overlooked risks and the importance of robust safety systems.

The Human Factor in Safety Planning

Among the risks identified, one glaring oversight was the lack of contingency for the incapacitation of a sole-charge master. This situation leaves the vessel vulnerable, compromising not only the safety of the passengers but also the integrity of the operation. In this case, the absence of a secondary layer of support proved to be a tragic flaw.

While it's common for smaller ferry operations to rely on a single individual to manage navigation, communications, and safety, this practice demands heightened risk assessments.

Operators must consider scenarios where the master may become incapacitated due to illness, injury, or unforeseen events. Without a backup plan or secondary trained personnel, the vessel and its passengers are at significant risk.

Overlooked Risks and Gaps in the Safety Plan

Another critical issue raised by TAIC was the quality and accuracy of the operator’s safety plan. Far from being a mere box-ticking exercise, a safety plan is the foundation of a vessel's operational safety. It should be clear, relevant, and actionable. However, this particular plan suffered from several deficiencies:

1. Ambiguous Information: Vague language in safety plans can lead to confusion in critical moments. Every crew member, regardless of their experience, should be able to interpret and act upon the instructions within seconds.
   

2. Irrelevant Details: A safety plan must be practical and tailored to the specific vessel, its route, and operational environment. Irrelevant details dilute focus and may cause operators to miss critical, vessel-specific risks.
   

3. Inaccuracy: Inaccurate safety plans are worse than none at all. They provide a false sense of security and can lead to misguided decisions during emergencies.
   

4. Lack of Watchkeeping and Lookout Procedures: Watchkeeping is the backbone of safe maritime operations, ensuring continuous vigilance and readiness to respond to developing risks. This omission indicates a failure to prioritize one of the most fundamental maritime safety practices.

The Lessons We Must Take Forward

This incident serves as a stark reminder for ferry operators worldwide to re-evaluate their safety protocols and operational contingencies. To build safer operations, operators must:

• Address the Sole-Charge Master Risk: Employing a second crew member trained in key operational tasks can be lifesaving. Technology such as automated alarms and remote monitoring systems can also provide added safeguards.
  

• Ensure Safety Plans Are Living Documents: Plans should be regularly reviewed, tested, and updated to reflect the realities of the vessel and its environment. Crew involvement in these reviews ensures practical insights and buy-in.
  

• Prioritize Clarity and Relevance: Safety plans must provide clear, vessel-specific procedures that are easily understood and actionable by all crew members.
  

• Implement Rigorous Watchkeeping Protocols: Adherence to watchkeeping procedures ensures potential risks are identified and addressed before they escalate.

Moving Toward a Culture of Safety

The responsibility of safeguarding passengers lies squarely with ferry operators. By prioritizing the review and implementation of comprehensive safety measures, the industry can reduce the likelihood of tragic accidents and build trust with passengers.

This incident is a call to action for the maritime sector. It’s not just about meeting minimum safety requirements; it’s about fostering a culture where safety is integrated into every decision, every procedure, and every voyage. Only then can we ensure the waters we traverse remain as safe as the connections we seek to build.

For ferry operators and maritime professionals looking to strengthen their safety protocols, SeaLogs provides advanced solutions for operational planning, watchkeeping, and compliance. Let’s ensure the lessons of today inform the safer operations of tomorrow.