The increased amount of paperwork demanded by shore managements from crews aboardships at sea is becoming recognised in the shipping industry as a problem which can impact on safety at sea because of the heavier workload imposed on ships' crews.
It is amongst the issues being examined in the SEAHORSE Project at Trinity College in Dublin. According to Dr.Paul Liston of TCD, while the maritime transport sector is growing, safety lags behind other transport sectors. The objective of the EU-funded programme is to enhance shipping safety. It is looking at transferring best practice and methodologies from air transport to shipping
The SEAHORSE Project was outlined to the Confederation of European Shipmasters' Association this morning at the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy in Cork where its annual meeting is being hosted by the Irish Institute of Master Mariners whose first woman President, Capt.Sinead Reen, welcomed the delegates.
Dr.Liston said the majority of maritime accidents were attributed to human elements and 50 per cent of accidents were related to procedures. The SEAHORSE Project is examining how Standard Reporting Systems could be used in shipping. Pressures on ships' crews, including client pressure, can affect safety. Increased paperwork demands cause a heavier workload at sea. The SEAHORSE Project is examining these and other aspects with the aim of improving safety.
The meeting is also discussing the Polar Code for shipping, best practice in Arctic Shipping and the future strategy for lighthouses.