Assessment of the Human Factors Influences on Maritime Accidents in Tanzania: A Case of Dar Es-Salaam-Zanzibar Route

Abstract

The research centered on assessing the influence of human factors and associated environmental and job factors on maritime accidents in Tanzania. It pursued three specific objectives: identifying mostly human factors contributing to accidents among maritime professionals, examining challenges affecting their attention to maritime accidents, and proposing strategies tomitigate these factors. The research employed various analyses, including descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and thematic analysis, to achieve its objectives. The study acknowledged that the frequency of occurrence of maritime accidents in Tanzania had remained constant, yet there was a potential for an increase if interventions would not be effectively implemented to address underlying causes. While individual human factors generally had a low influence on maritime accidents, specific factors such as the use of illicit drugs and alcohol, fatigue while performing duties, communication barriers, and non-adherence to safety regulations emerged assignificant contributors. Similarly, human-related challenges had a low influence on the occurrence of maritime accidents in Tanzania. However, their collective influence on maritime accidents highlights the need for inclusive interventions against them. Specifically, density of seatraffic, communication failures between crew members and shore operators, pressures from bosses, and conflicting maritime regulations were noted to be significant challenges that could determine occurrence of maritime accidents. Strategies proposed for lowing maritime accidents in the country were: such as strict enforcement of maritime regulations, ensuring personnel remain well-informed about maritime safety, enhancing communication channels, establishing a safe working environment, observing speed limits, and conducting regular vessel maintenance.