The technology breakthrough that Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) has brought to modern navigation has the capability to improve the safety of navigation. This could be achieved only when the capabilities of the system are known by an end-user. Cross Track Limit (XTL) is an ECDIS safety parameter, set by the navigator, which enhances the navigational task automation in the function of workload reduction. Determination of factors affecting the value of XTL safety parameter, with special consideration to chart data reliability, is elaborated in this paper. Chart data reliability depends on the quality of chart survey data, which in many cases are outdated and unreliable. Analysis of past research on this subject is used to define the factors affecting XTL. Practices of different shipping companies with regards to XTL are analyzed and compared in order to confirm if there is a uniform practice between them. Nevertheless, shipping companies have a different or no practice of obtaining XTL, which allows the navigator to define safety parameters by a subjective opinion. In this paper, method of XTL determination for a specific vessel is suggested, considering previously defined factors. Finally, crucial influence of survey data to the safety of navigation is presented in this study.

No abstract

No abstract

A near-miss management system (NMMS) is a tool used for improving safety at sea if adequately implemented. Valuable knowledge to improve safety management might be gained by investigating and analysing reported events. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to report each observed near-miss event. Because tankers are generally considered dangerous, but at the same time safe due to stringent requirements, near-miss reports and NMMS policy were collected from one oil tanker ship. Data were pre-processed and analysed. Variables used during analysis were near-miss type, risk level, ship position, and onboard location of near-miss occurrence. Analysis of policy and reports revealed that most near misses occurred on the deck area, but higher-risk-level events were reported in the engine room and navigating bridge. Housekeeping, equipment failure, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and process-/procedure-related events were most common and generally related to lower risk levels. The most frequent corrective actions recorded were implementing safe working practices and PPE. In addition, higher-risk-level events were related to less effective corrective actions. Based on the findings, suggestions for improvements include promoting safe behaviour and adequate PPE usage through additional training, ensuring proper housekeeping, regular maintenance of shipboard equipment and spare parts management, and toolbox meetings and risk assessments that include conclusions of near-miss investigations and analysis.

Long Range 2 tankers are the largest ships used for the transportation of petroleum products. Although more than 400 Long Range 2 tankers are navigating the world’s sea, many of the terminals, at which these ships discharge their cargo, do not utilize their discharging capacity to the full extent. This is due to the technological obsolescence of the terminal and the fact that these terminals are primarily designed to accommodate smaller tankers, such as Medium Range and Long Range 1 tankers. The reduced discharge capacity leads to longer ship stay in the port and increased air pollution due to the release of inert gas into the atmosphere since terminals unnecessarily insist on the continuous operation of the inert gas generator. This paper explains a possible solution to this problem by using environmentally friendly START/STOP operation mode of an inert gas generator using methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative methods and elements of the mathematical method. Environmentally friendly operation mode requires minimal modification of the software program and it is very easy to perform. This mode has a positive effect on reducing overall gas emissions and significant fuel savings.