Analysis of crew competence factor in the ship collisions (Case study: Collision accident in Indonesian waters)

Abstract

Sea transportation has a vital role in the transportation system in many countries due to lower costs and higher accessibility. As in Indonesia, approximately 80% of the global trade occurs ships. This condition makes the shipping industry in Indonesia is growing, but this is not in line with improving shipping safety. Many accidents continue to occur, which pose a high risk to safety. One of the most common risks in terms of sea transportation is ship collision. Ship collisions can cause material losses, injuries, and fatalities. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued various direction to prevent accidents, but in reality, collision accidents continue to occur. However, the failure to apply a solution to prevent ship collisions is not at the root cause of the accident. According to the juries of the Maritime Court and the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC), one of the factors causing the collision of ships in Indonesia is the human factors (the inadequate crew competencies). The purpose of this research is to analyze the human factors involved in ship collision. The method used in this research is the House of Risk (HOR) phase 1. The data used in this study was obtained through a chronological review of ship collisions, questionnaires, and interviews with shipping experts. The results of this research reveal than inadequate crew competencies only a direct cause, not the root cause of ship collisions. The root cause is that the crew recruitment process is not accountable, the harbormaster does not thoroughly check crew competency certificates, and that maritime education does not implement QSS, STCW 95 and the amendments. To prevent ship collisions, should take preventive action on the root cause of the accident and not on the direct cause.