Crew Size and Maritime Safety: Committee on the Effect of Smaller Crews on Maritime Safety Marine Board Commission on Engineering and Technical Syst

U.S. oceangoing vessels have half the crew size of 30 years ago, thanks to automation and mechanization in the shipping industry. But are reductions in crew size increasing the risk of vessel accidents? "Crew Size and Maritime Safety" explores how we can minimize risk without hindering technology, presenting the most thorough analysis available of key issues, such as domestic versus foreign manning practices and safety performance; effect of crew size on crew fatigue, level of training, and ship maintenance; and modernizing the U.S. Coast Guard approach to crew size regulation. The volume features a trend analysis of 20 years of maritime safety data, analyzing U.S. and international laws and treaties concerning ship manning and making recommendations for improvements. In addition, it includes a model for setting optimum crew levels, based on systems engineering and tested with actual ships. Explores how we can minimize risk without hindering technology. This book presents an analysis of key issues, such as domestic versus foreign manning practices and safety performance; effect of crew size on crew fatigue, level of training, and ship maintenance; and modernizing the US Coast Guard approach to crew size regulation. Safety Experience with Smaller Crews; Managing the Human Factors Aspects of Change; Establishing Safe Crew Levels; Legal and Regulatory Issues