Causes of Maritime Accidents

  Slips and Falls

Ship decks and oil rig platforms can be slick, and become even more dangerous if a negligent owner does not enforce deck cleanliness and safety standards.

  Unseaworthiness

Owners are required to ensure their vessels are seaworthy, meaning all standard equipment must be provided and maintained in good condition. Unseaworthy vessels are more likely to be involved in accidents.

 Fire

Flammable cargo, fuel leaks, faulty wiring, overheated engines, and mechanical failures can all lead to fires. The cramped conditions of a vessel can cause more accidents as workers rush to put out the flames.

 Inadequate Crew

In addition to adequate equipment, maritime law requires that vessels have sufficient crew members for the purpose of the vessel. Too few or poorly trained crew members can cause accidents.

  Personnel Transfers

Personnel moving on and off the vessel via gangplanks or personnel baskets are the cause of many accidents, especially in inclement weather conditions and rough seas.

 Collisions

Collisions can occur between vessels in poor weather, or in busy ports or shipping lanes. Inexperienced or overworked crew, navigation errors, and malfunctioning equipment can all contribute.

 Cranes

Cranes may handle loads weighing hundreds or thousands of pounds, making any error extremely dangerous. Faulty winches, fatigued or poorly trained operators, and stormy seas are all safety hazards.