Accidentability as Change Factor in Safety Policies of Cruises and Passenger Ships

Abstract

From the professional point of view, we can not conceive our society without the existence of a regulation that is responsible for regulating the behavior of people. Companies are not oblivious to this fact and in the field that concerns us, no shipping company can obviate compliance with regulations or regulations that directly affect them. The maritime sector, and within it the one referred to cruises and passenger ships, is one of the most regulated worldwide; Organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the rest of public entities, develop and ensure compliance of the safety regulations on board these ships. On more than one occasion, we wonder how in such a regulated sector, such as the maritime one, there are still important and recent accidents such as those of Costa Concordia (2012) or Sewol (2014). In addition, studies shows that 80% of this accident rate is mainly due to the human factor. It is always said that the plane is the safest means of transport, but ships are never mentioned. Unfortunately and as we want to make clear in this work, the promulgation of safety standards or updating them, rarely in the maritime sector is done with foresight and normally this occurs after the accident has occurred. Through this work, we want to review the most relevant accidents that have clearly promoted the promulgation or updating of important regulations and rules in order to maintain the safety of human life at sea; having spatial consideration on cruise ships, ferries, line ships or passenger ships in general throughout recent history.