Port Knowledge Risk Management

Abstract

Knowledge risk management aims to control the element of any risk which arises from a poor understanding of risks or of the procedures to control them. It is a key element in control risk in ports in relation to inherent risks such as chemical discharges and release of invasive species from vessels in the harbour. Knowledge risk assessment can be carried out using a bow-tie analysis to develop a fault tree and an event tree. Both sides of the analysis, however, require risk knowledge which may be highly localised to the features and ecosystems of harbours and their surrounding ecosystems. The factors which determine the probability and probable outcome of critical events relating to environmental risks in port also include the level of expertise available to detect and manage the inherent risks. The risk of losing expertise is increased where staff possess complex tacit knowledge and where there is a risk of these staff leaving the organisation. Knowledge risk management should involve knowledge codification, knowledge inventories, simplification of knowledge, managing key staff turnover and succession and risk research.