The purpose of this research study was to identify the conditions
for success of collision avoidance in the area of passenger transport.
We selected a shipping company considered safe, one that
has never been involved in a collision. Analyses focused on the
activities of the bridge watchkeeping officers were carried out to
identify the diachronic (i.e. anticipation) and synchronic mechanisms
implemented in the context of managing the collision risk.
We hypothesized that the conditions for success (i.e. controlling
the collision risk) were based on diachronic and synchronic mechanisms
that would be highly developed by bridge watchkeeping offi-
cers. The results validate this hypothesis and putthe diachronic and
synchronic mechanisms atthe centre of collision risk management.