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Marine Accident Reconstruction Case Histories -
Course 1
Hector V. Pazos, P.E.
Overview
Working on a boat or
offshore oil rig is dangerous business. The worst disasters in the marine
industry, in terms of loss of life, have involved the sinking of vessels.
As illustrated in Case Study #1 of this course, a relatively small vessel can
sink in less than 30 seconds after a problem is recognized. Numerous case
studies in the course are presented dealing with the capsizing and sinking of
marine vessels. The causes are different in each case - propeller seal
leak, free surface effects, shifting of cargo - but the results were the same;
catastrophic loss of life.
This course will
investigate 3 case histories involving the sinking of vessels, resulting in
multiple fatalities. Seven (7) additional case studies will review other
marine industry accidents, including slips and falls, stairways and ladders,
propeller guards, confined space entry and unsecured watertight hatch covers.
Finally, a gasoline explosion on a 32-foot aluminum cruiser will be studied.
In each of the case
studies, the circumstances of the accident are covered, as well as lessons to be
learned from the incident. Recommendations for preventing similar
tragedies in the future are discussed. The case studies involving slips
and falls and stairways and ladders also cover design guidelines that the
engineer should follow to prevent injury to personnel.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of thirty (30) questions at the end of
this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and
skills:
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Review of
catastrophic vessel sinking incidents, including causes and lessons learned to
be applied in the future
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Slips and falls in
the marine industry, including calculation of anti-slip coefficient of
friction, industry standards, friction measuring devices and acceptance
criteria
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Definition of terms
and applicable industry standards for stairs, ladders and handrails installed
on marine vessels
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Design of propeller
guards to prevent accidents associated with self-actuated transmission systems
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Risks associated
with unsecured watertight hatch covers and design methods used to mitigate the
risks
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Methods to prevent
accidents associated with confined space entry
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Causes of a gasoline
explosion on a 32-foot aluminum cruiser
Course
Click on the following PDF attachment and review
the course prior to taking a quiz for PDH credit.
Marine Accident Reconstruction - Course 1 (170 KB)
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credit. Click on the link below.
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