Safeguarding maritime transport: disclosing the paradox of safety in domestic ferry operations

ABSTRACT

The domestic ferry sector plays a significant role in transportation but faces complex challenges requiring a comprehensive examination within a sociotechnical systems framework. This study explores into the inherent paradoxes of the sector, analyzing the interplay between safety dynamics and operational exigencies. Through a systematic review across micro (firm/operations), meso (industry), and macro (national/global) levels, it uncovers a landscape where safety awareness competes with operational demands, creating a paradoxical coexistence. Micro-level challenges like poor enforcement and inadequate safety awareness lead to noncompliance and unsafe practices, as seen in incidents like the Eastern Star tragedy. Strategic planning is vital for long-term industry improvements, requiring policymakers to address regulatory complexities. Interconnected dynamics across meso and macro levels highlight the International Maritime Organization's role in shaping safety standards and policy evolution. Insights into transitioning to international safety standards highlight the need for attitudinal shifts aligned with proactive risk management. This research provides a holistic view of challenges (Themes A to C) and enablers (Themes D to F), traversing micro, meso, and macro levels. By advocating for cross-industry collaboration and emphasizing a more secure and sustainable future for the domestic ferry sector, contributes significantly to the enhancement of safety and sustainable operations.

KEYWORDS:

• Domestic ferry
• maritime safety
• safety management
• regulatory complexities
• sociotechnical systems
• paradox
• IMO

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Human Aspects- This theme encompasses challenges related to human behaviour, competency, and decision-making processes within the DF sector. It includes factors such as crew training and education, safety related management, and human error etc, which significantly influence operational safety and efficiency.

2 Technical Aspects-Technical challenges within the DF sector involve issues related to vessel design, maintenance, and navigation systems. These challenges often stem from technological complexities, equipment failures, and inadequate infrastructure, impacting the reliability and performance of ferry operations.

3 Organizational Aspects - Organizational challenges pertain to governance failure, regulatory compliance, and management practices within ferry companies and relevant authorities. These challenges encompass issues such as safety culture, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration, which are integral to ensuring the overall resilience and sustainability of DF operations.

4 Law and Policy Aspects - Effective policies at national and international levels are pivotal in enhancing safety within the DF sector. While predominant focus has been on macro and meso levels, there is an emerging need to explore the regulatory impact at the micro level.

5 Safety Management Aspects - It span across micro, meso, and macro levels, emphasizing the importance of promoting a sound safety culture within organizations.

6 Governance Aspects -Governance within the DF sector plays a fundamental role in ensuring safety and efficiency. Challenges and enablers emerge at different levels, from micro to macro, underlines the need for comprehensive approaches to address regulatory complexities and market pressures.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mirza Zeeshan Baig

Mirza Zeeshan Baig is a diligent researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. with a focus on maritime safety and sustainable operations within the domestic ferry sector. His multidisciplinary background includes a Master's degree in maritime affairs from the World Maritime University, Sweden, and a Master's in military arts and strategy from NUST, Pakistan. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in nautical sciences from Karachi University. Throughout his career, Mirza has made significant contributions to maritime safety through initiatives such as safety audits, training programs and regulatory compliance measures. His expertise encompasses maritime safety, risk assessment, sustainable solutions and maritime governance, with a strong emphasis on policy coherence.

Khanssa Lagdami

Dr. Khanssa Lagdami is the ITF Seafarers Trust Assistant Professor in maritime labour law and policy at the World Maritime University. Dr. Lagdami is also the academic coordinator of the Maritime Welfare (Mari-Wel) program at WMU. She is a lead member of the Future of Work program at WMU. Dr. Lagdami's strengths lie in maritime labour law, human rights at sea, maritime security and safety and the future of work in the maritime sector. Before joining WMU, she had the opportunity to teach international public law, the law of the sea and maritime law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Nantes in France. She earned her doctorate in maritime law from the University of Nantes in France. Her multidisciplinary profile includes an M.Sc. in Maritime Affairs Management and an LL.M in International Comparative Law from the University of Perpignan in France.

Maximo Q. Mejia

Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr, Professor Mejia, a global leader in Maritime Governance, Policy and Administration, has three decades of expertise in safe, secure and sustainable shipping. He's WMU's eighth President and the first from Asia. His contributions span a variety of WMU roles, from Director of the Ph.D. Programme to Nippon Foundation Professor. His multi-disciplinary research includes maritime policy, law, human factors, safety and security. In 2013, he was on Lloyd's List of 100 Most Influential Persons in Shipping. He holds a Ph.D. from Lund University, a Master's from WMU, a Master of Arts from Tufts University and a Bachelor's from the United States Naval Academy. He is married with three children and one grandchild.