Container Vessel Accidents Analysis: A NASAHFACS Framework Study

Container vessel accidents risk maritime safety and the environment, and understanding their causes and consequences is vital to developing effective preventive measures.This study analyzes the distribution of latent factors and active events related to container vessel accidents by applying the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) derived NASAFACS framework.The study employs a varied dataset comprising different types of container vessel accidents that occurred worldwide from 2010 to 2021.Findings suggest that latent factors, i.e., 'Preconditions,' are the predominant causative agents behind container vessel accidents, followed by 'Acts,' which involve active events leading to them.Damage to vessels is usually the most common outcome, and container loss and environmental pollution are sizeable.Collision incidents frequently involve both latent factors and active errors, while fire incidents typically are solely driven by latent ones; other accident types, including heavy weather damage, grounding, and allision incidents, show evidence of both latent and active factors; heavy weather damage incidents tend to exhibit higher incidences of environmental pollution than other accident types.This research offers unique insight into container vessel accidents, underlining the need for enhanced securing practices, accurate cargo declaration, and stricter cargo stowage compliance to improve safety and reduce pollution.