Top 10 Causes of Maritime Boating and Ship Accidents (& How to Prevent Them)

Looking at recreational boating accidents may shed some light on hazards that ship owners and mariners might encounter. There were 4,515 recreational boating accidents in 2012 that resulted in 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries and an estimated $38 million in property damage, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report. Many maritime accidents are preventable with proper training and by following basic safety rules.

4 Most Common Types of Boating Accidents

The following are some common types of boating accidents, which in some cases can be similar to ship accidents. The primary types of boating accidents and the number of correlating accidents, injuries and deaths in 2012 are as follows:

• #1 – collision with another vessel: 1010 accidents, 711 injuries, 47 deaths.
• #2 – flooding/swamping: 509 accidents, 193 injuries, 68 deaths.
• #3 – collision with a fixed object: 475 accidents, 340 injuries, 50 deaths.
• #4 – grounding: 422 accidents, 244 injuries, 10 deaths.

Tope 10 Common Causes of Accidents on the Water

Numerous factors, from operator errors to mechanical issues, can contribute to maritime accidents. Determining and assessing the key causes can help officials and mariners alike to make better decisions and take preemptive measures to reduce unnecessary risks.

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the top 10 known primary causes of boating accidents in 2012 were:

• operator inattention;
• operator inexperience;
• improper lookout;
• machinery failure;
• excessive speed;
• navigation rules violation;
• alcohol use;
• wake or waves;
• weather; and
• hazardous waters.

Preventing Boating and Ship Accidents and Maritime Disasters

The first measure mariners can take to reduce the risk of accidents is to ensure they have the proper training. Whether you’re are a recreational boater or a Master of an international oil barge, ensure you have completed your training, received your certificates and fully understand the rules of the nautical road.

If you are unsure of which coursework or licensure you need or need to find out where local boating safety courses are being held, you can contact your local Coast Guard, the Recreational Boating Safety Coordinator or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Take the Coast Guard’s advice to heart. They tout lifejackets and alcohol abstinence as primary ways to reduce the risk of boating accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Most boating fatalities are a result of drowning and account for two-thirds of deaths. All recreational vessels are required to have lifejackets on board, but it’s important to actually don them. The National Safe Boating Council’s Wear It campaign reminds boaters: “Don’t just carry a life jacket -- wear it.”

In addition, you can reduce your risk on the water by:

• adhering to safety rules (knowing the rules isn’t enough -- you must adhere to them);
• operating your vessel carefully and attentively;
• practicing maneuvering methods with an experienced mariner;
• always ensuring there is a proper lookout;
• keeping your vessel, communication equipment and safety equipment in good repair;
• keeping an eye on weather reports and keeping your vessel out of harm’s way; and
• avoiding travel in dangerous or unfamiliar waters.

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