・ The operator of a pleasure fishing vessel did not immediately cancel an excursion despite rough weather.
(2) Defective construction, materials or repairs of hull, machinery or facilities
This category includes causes that can be traced to the work of, for example, shipbuilders, engine manufacturer and repair people. Defective construction, material or repairs of hull, machinery or facilities was indicated as a cause in 13 instances in 1998. Among accidents upon which judgments were pronounced during the year, the following causes were identified:
・ An equipment manufacturer failed to take adequate steps to eliminate impurities from materials used ship parts.
・ A shipbuilder failed to rebuild a ship's main engine properly after dismantling it for servicing.
・ An equipment manufacturer failed to disclose information on accidents that had occurred on other ships or steps taken in response to these accidents.
(3) Force majeure
This category includes such causes as abnormal weather and sea conditions or unexpected drifting objects. Such causes were cited in two instances in 1998:
・ Flooding resulting from an unusually high wave that exceeded breakwaters
・ Warping of the engine bed as a result of abnormal vibration of the generator rotor bearing, which was ruled a force majeure
