1. INTRODUCTION

Accidents involving maritime vessels can lead to considerable economic losses that are borne by the shipping industry and by society. Accidents may be influenced by factors associated with human operators, vessel characteristics, weather conditions, local waterways, and economic conditions in the markets, among others. These factors influence both accident frequency and severity. Damages resulting from ship accidents include human injuries and loss of life, vessel damage, lost cargoes, environmental pollution and related economic impacts, and damage to other property. Government agencies have a recognised role in formulating and enforcing safety regulations that reduce the occurrence and effects of vessel accidents (Figure 4.1).