Navy Aims to Curtail Aviation Mishaps Caused by Crew Error - Essay Example

Most of the critics and specialists in marine science claim that most of these accidents on the seas are due to human error. Credible statistics and claims were uttered in line with this phenomenon. Perhaps, one might say such things are inevitable, but we cannot deny the fact that these things could happen without the leniency and negligence of people working with regard to their duties plus the fact that these things could be avoided. Dr. Anita Rothblum of the United States Coast Guard Research and development center stressed that over 40 years, the shipping industry focused on improving ship structures and reliability of ship systems to reduce casualty and ensure proficiency and reliability. However, the casualty is still high. She further pointed out that the “ Maritime system is a people system” and people do play a big part with regard to these errors. Moreover, she explains that 75-96% percent are caused by human errors and tanker accidents, collisions, fires, and explosions cause some of these incidents.

This claim is not new to marine authorities 1.
At present, if we are to base it on the biggest or perhaps one of the most tragic disasters of ship industries in the world, the tragedy of MV Doña Paz in the Philippines is the perfect example of human error to date. It happens on December 20, 1987, when the aforementioned mobile vessel collided with MT Vector carrying petroleum products 2. All of the 59 crew members of MV Dona Paz died. It carries a total passenger of 1, 493 passengers if we are to base on the coast guard clearance. However, after further studies, it was found that it carries more than 4,000 passengers, and upon analyzing these statistics, one might conclude that the vessel is overloaded. In this incident, only 24 of them managed to survive-to add to that, the two survivors (crews) of MT Vector claimed that they were sleeping when the incident happened.

Sandra I. Erwin in her October 2000 article claimed that the U.S. Navy is indeed serious about reducing human errors 3. This claim is reflected in her article Navy Aims to Curtail Aviation Mishaps Caused by Crew Error, she further explained that if the said institution could lessen the human errors of its members, then it is more likely to save 250 lives and could have at least save 1 Billion dollars. If we are to analyze, Human error is still a big factor in a developed country such as the United States, a country having advanced equipment with regard to its Naval defense. If we are to consider the training that these people in service undergo, one cannot deny the fact that human error is indeed a big factor to consider in terms of accidents and untoward incidents in the maritime scene in the United States.

Human errors can be reduced through the proper orientation of the people behind this industry. They should undergo a series of training and a sense of responsibility should be instilled in their minds. They should also bear in mind that traveling by means of water is perhaps the most dangerous trip to be made so meticulous and careful execution of duties with regards to this industry should be made. After all, the saying an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure is indeed an unsurpassed saying up to the present with regard to safety. Read More