Exploring the Underlying Causes of Chinese Eastern Star, Korean Sewol, and Thai Phoenix Ferry Accidents by Employing the HFACS-MA

Xiaolong Wang, Boling Zhang, Xu Zhao, Lulu Wang and Ruipeng Tong
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Xiaolong Wang: School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Boling Zhang: School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Xu Zhao: School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Lulu Wang: School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Ruipeng Tong: School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-19

Abstract: Maritime safety is a significant topic in the maritime industry since the numerous dangers at sea could lead to loss of property, environmental pollution, and even casualties. Existing research illustrates that human factors are the primary reasons of maritime accidents. Indeed, numerous maritime accidents can be classified into different types of human factors. In this context, the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System for Maritime Accidents (HFACS-MA) model is introduced in this paper. The HFACS-MA framework consists of five levels, complying with the core concepts of HFACS and the guiding principles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Based on the five levels of the framework, this research explores the underlying causes of Chinese Eastern Star, Korean Sewol, and Thai Phoenix accidents, and a comparative analysis is conducted. The analysis demonstrates the utility of applying the HFACS-MA model to the maritime industry, and the results emphasize the importance of the following categories: legislation gaps, organizational process, inadequate supervision, communication (ships and VTS), decision errors, and so on. Consequently, the research enables increased support for HFACS-MA and its application and provides valuable information for safety management and policy development in the maritime industry at different levels.

Keywords: maritime safety; accident prevention; human factors; HFACS-MA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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