In the bustling maritime hub of Surabaya, Indonesia, a critical eye is being cast on the safety of pilotage operations in the narrow Surabaya West Access Channel (SWAC). A recent study, led by Fadilla Indrayuni Prastyasari from the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember’s Faculty of Marine Technology, has shed light on the human factors influencing the safety of these operations, offering valuable insights for the maritime industry.
The study, published in the Journal of Eta Maritime Science (which translates to the Journal of Maritime Science), focused on the mandatory pilotage service for ships of 500 GT or above in SWAC. Given the high density of traffic in this narrow channel, the research aimed to evaluate the risk of the pilotage process, particularly in terms of human reliability.
Prastyasari and her team employed a method known as Formal Safety Assessment (FSA), which combines Human Error Probability using the HEART 4M method with AHP-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. This approach allowed them to estimate the probability of human error and gather consequences based on historical accident data.
The results were eye-opening. The risk matrix from the Indonesian Classification Bureau revealed that Task 1 and Sub-task 2.3 were categorized as high risks. To mitigate these risks, the team proposed five Risk Control Options (RCO) and analyzed them using Cost-Benefit Analysis.
For Task 1, the recommended RCO is to review the installation and maintenance procedure of the pilot ladder, with a gross cost of $34,000. This measure is expected to yield a 33% risk reduction. Meanwhile, for Sub-task 2.3, the study suggests workload planning and shift rotation adjustment, costing $24,200 and promising a 31% risk reduction.
Prastyasari emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “Understanding the human factors in pilotage operations is crucial for enhancing safety in narrow channels like SWAC. Our study provides a clear path forward for improving safety protocols and reducing the risk of accidents.”
The commercial implications of this research are significant. By addressing the identified high-risk tasks, shipping companies and port authorities can reduce the likelihood of costly accidents, minimize downtime, and enhance the overall efficiency of operations in SWAC. Moreover, the study’s findings can serve as a blueprint for other narrow channels worldwide, offering a framework for improving safety and operational efficiency.
Prastyasari added, “The maritime industry stands to benefit greatly from a more human-centered approach to safety. Our research not only highlights the areas that need attention but also provides practical solutions that can be implemented with a clear return on investment.”
In an industry where safety and efficiency are paramount, this study offers a valuable contribution, paving the way for safer and more efficient pilotage operations in narrow channels. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, the insights from this research will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of maritime safety.