Table 5-2-5 Vessels involved in accidents caused by defective inspection, maintenance and handling of main engine in 1998
Many accidents caused by machinery failure in 1998 resulted in damage to two or more places on the vessel. While the degree of seriousness varied, damage to cylinders and pistons occurred most frequently, in 44 cases. This was followed by damage to the crank pin bearing and shaft, indicated in 17 cases; damage to the supercharger, cited in 15 cases; and damage to the exhaust valves, which was identified in five cases (Table 5-2-6).
Table 5-2-6 Areas suffering damage as a result of defective inspection, maintenance and repair of main engine
2. Causes of marine accidents not directly related to crew members
While causes directly related to crew members, such as improper lookout, failure to sound signals and non-compliance with steering and sailing rules, are contributing factors in the majority of marine accidents, the following causes have no relationship with crew member.
(1) Improper ship management
This category includes causes that can be traced to the management systems or operational procedures of the ship owner, operator, stevedoring company or other persons or groups involved with vessel operation. Improper ship management was cited as a cause in 21 instances in 1998. Among accidents upon which judgments were pronounced during the year, the following causes were identified:
・ A ship owner failed to hire crew members with necessary qualifications.
・ A ship operator failed to give crew members sufficient safety training.
