Fault Tree Analysis of Tanker Accidents during Loading and Unloading Operations at the Tanker Terminals

One of the most important elements of maritime transportation which is a way of the world trade is the ships. Depending on their purpose, the vessels include many classifications, such as; commercial vessels, service vessels and war ships. Commercial vessels include tankers. Therefore, tankers that are an important point of trade have been developing together with technology. However, the measures taken by the developing technology and the regulations in the maritime sector made cannot reduce the sea accidents to zero. In this study, marine accidents occurred during loading and unloading operations at the tanker terminals were analyzed in terms of human factor and safety. Reports in between 2000 and 2014 of IMO (International Maritime Organization) GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System), MAIB and Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand and others were investigated. A total of 10 vessel accidents involving the appropriate data were analyzed and classified according to the results. Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method was used to create the causes of accidents and the results have been tested with Monte Carlo Simulation. As a conclusion, failure to comply with operating procedures and lack of knowledge were found to be the most important factors.