A Hybrid Framework for Assessing Near Miss Reporting Culture in Greek Ship Management

Abstract

This study develops a hybrid risk analysis method combined with the FAHP-TOPSIS ranking method for ship management companies to evaluate their performance in occupational risk prevention. Emphasis is given to ships' near-miss reports weighted with their occupational risks. The proposed ranking system avoids biases favouring specific vessel types or large companies. The proposed methodology ranking system avoids biases favouring larger fleets or specific vessel types. The data was collected from 14 Greek ship management companies managing 167 ships. Initially, the risk analysis revealed that larger companies collect extensive data. However, fleet size and type do not significantly influence reporting trends. Findings highlight that near-miss reporting involves occupational risks related to personal protective equipment, safe movement (including embarkation), health, and work. However, significant underreporting persists in security, pollutant handling, navigation and engine room operations. Following risk analysis, the FAHP-TOPSIS was used to evaluate each company based on the types of near-miss and more frequent reporting that contribute to occupational risk prevention due to weight. The findings show that companies' preventive culture, as shown in near-miss reporting, is not dependent on the number or characteristics of their fleets. Future research should examine cultural variations in reporting practices beyond the Greek maritime industry to enhance global maritime safety.