It is also very important to identify the root cause
of the problem, because the immediate cause is
probably just part of a greater failure in the system.
Then, of course, the immediate cause needs to
be acknowledged and rectified. The most com-
mon immediate causes are: poor lookout, lack of
communication, which is poor MRM, not using all
available equipment and technical means as crew
are supposed to, not following company procedures,
complacency and poor voyage planning. These are
issues that can be addressed through crew semi-
nars, internal audits and concentrated campaigns
to highlight recurring issues. To be able to rectify
the root cause, it is essential that top management
implements a safety culture, believes in the entire
safety concept and leads by example. In the office
this needs to happen by the directors constantly
instructing their departments to review their proce-
dures so that the real cause can be identified.
It is evident that there is a correlation between
a good economic climate and higher claims costs.
During a boom there is more pressure on the ship-
ping companies to deliver cargo on time, and there
might be more competition from new operators.
There is also a problem with fatigue on vessels,
as the number of crew members onboard always
seems to decrease. This could be addressed with
stricter safe manning requirements; it is a difficult
political issue but something that cannot be ignored.
The overall conclusion is not very surprising
and shows that the companies with the fewest
collisions and groundings are those companies that
invest most in their shore-based organisation and
invest most in training and equipment.