Challenges to Accident Prevention for High-Speed Vessels Used in the Brazilian Amazon

Jassiel V. H. Fontes (), Irving D. Hernández (), Edgar Mendoza, Rodolfo Silva, Elvis J. O. Santander and Ricardo Almeida Sanches
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Jassiel V. H. Fontes: Grupo de Pesquisa Tecnologias Navais e Sustentáveis (TNS), Departamento de Engenharia Naval, Escola Superior de Tecnologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69050-020, Brazil
Irving D. Hernández: Núcleo de Estruturas Oceânicas (NEO), Programa de Engenharia Oceânica, COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21945-970, Brazil
Edgar Mendoza: Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
Rodolfo Silva: Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
Elvis J. O. Santander: Grupo de Pesquisa Tecnologias Navais e Sustentáveis (TNS), Departamento de Engenharia Naval, Escola Superior de Tecnologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69050-020, Brazil
Ricardo Almeida Sanches: RGF Tecnologia, Consultoria e Assessoria Naval Ltda., Manaus 69025-070, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-23

Abstract: The Brazilian Amazon has one of the largest river networks in the world, connecting riverine communities, many of which have no roadways. The use of high-speed vessels, including those that are locally made, is necessary for the transportation of people to perform their day-to-day activities. However, regional news and social media data have shown that these vessels are involved in accidents. This work describes some of the key challenges to improving the sustainability and safety of regional high-speed vessels. Field research was performed in the state of Amazonas to document regional vessels and provide graphic evidence of the possible risk factors that could cause accidents as the path to prevent them. Some risk mitigation alternatives were discussed. Cameras and a drone were used to capture information either from the shore or from small boats. The main challenges are related to the adequate management of seasonal changes in river depths; wave and wind behavior; wave wash effects; the interaction of vessels with rocks, sand banks, mud, and vegetation; embarkation and disembarkation activities; the monitoring and regulation of safety requirements and dangerous operations; and the slowness in implementing technological advances that would improve vessels’ safety. It is hoped that the work in this paper will contribute to improving the sustainability of marine activities in the Amazon and similar regions worldwide.

Keywords: accident prevention; inland waterways; navigation management challenges; regional high-speed crafts; sustainable transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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