In the ever-evolving landscape of maritime safety, a novel approach to assessing boat collision risks has emerged, promising to revolutionize how we understand and mitigate these dangers. Ehidiame Ibazebo, a researcher from the Engineering Institute of Technology in Perth, Australia, has developed a framework that combines fuzzy logic with multi-criteria decision-making methods. This innovative approach aims to tackle the uncertainties and subjectivities inherent in maritime environments, offering a more nuanced and practical tool for risk assessment.
Traditionally, methods like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and Fault Tree Analysis have been the go-to for risk assessment. However, these methods often fall short when dealing with the complex interdependencies and vagueness of real-world scenarios. Ibazebo’s framework integrates fuzzy logic with the Analytic Hierarchy Process for criterion weighting and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution for risk ranking. “Fuzzy logic allows us to capture linguistic expert judgments and manage vague or incomplete data, which are common challenges in marine operations,” Ibazebo explains.
The framework identifies key collision risk factors, including human error, boat engine system failure, environmental conditions, and intentional threats. These factors were pinpointed through a thorough literature review, incident data analysis, and expert consultation. The model not only prioritizes risk rankings but also supports the identification of critical control actions and effective safety measures. A comparative analysis with a baseline non-fuzzy model demonstrated the added value of the fuzzy-integrated framework, showing improved capacity to handle imprecision and uncertainty.
For the maritime industry, the implications are significant. Boat collisions can pose severe threats to maritime safety, economic activity, and environmental sustainability. By providing a more accurate and comprehensive risk assessment tool, this framework can help stakeholders make informed decisions, ultimately leading to safer waters and more efficient operations. “The model outputs not only prioritize risk rankings but also support the identification of critical control actions and effective safety measures,” Ibazebo adds.
The practicality of the framework was illustrated through a case study of Nigerian waters, highlighting its potential to guide risk mitigation strategies and inform policy decisions under uncertainty. This research, published in the ‘Journal of Marine Science and Engineering’ (translated from its original title in German), offers a promising step forward in the ongoing effort to enhance maritime safety and efficiency.
As the maritime sector continues to grapple with the complexities of risk assessment, Ibazebo’s framework provides a valuable tool for navigating these challenges. By embracing this innovative approach, maritime professionals can better understand and mitigate collision risks, ultimately contributing to a safer and more sustainable maritime environment.