Chapter 11 - Marine safety

Abstract

This chapter reviews current safety practices employed in the marine industry, outlines the role of regulatory bodies, and describes typical safety assessment techniques, together with a description of formal safety assessment (FSA). The control of safety in seaborne transport is primarily based on the rules (conventions and resolutions) given by the United Nations agency the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Safety is regulated on the basis of different legal sources, the key ones of which include: international laws and regulations (UN Law of the Seas and European Union Directive); national laws and regulation; case law (court rulings); national territorial zones; IMO conventions and resolution; classification construction rules; and Port State control MOU guideline. The primary actors that have an impact on safety include flag and port state control (Maritime Directorate), International Maritime Organization (IMO), classification societies, insurance companies, and charterer or cargo owner. Classification societies are independent bodies that set standards for the design, maintenance and repair of ships. There are more than 50 ship classification organizations worldwide. The 10 major classification societies that claim to class some 94% of all commercial tonnage involved in international trade worldwide are the members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Furthermore a description of the safety management of ship stability and relevant operational requirements is included, providing examples of practical applications.