A study on factors contributing towards ferry and passenger boat incidents in Malaysian waters

Abstract

The scope of this research is covering generally all areas in Malaysia which operate ferries and passenger boats. The objectives of the study are firstly; to identify types of incidents involved in ferries and passenger boats, secondly, the factors that contribute to the incidents and finally, the locations with high frequency of the incident occurrences. The lives of passengers are at risks if these incidents keep occurring. Primary data is collected through in-depth interviews with marine officers in Marine Department Malaysia and secondary data are acquired from marine casualty data and incident reports supporting with reviewing of related previous research papers. Data gained are analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The incidents that often involved on ferries and passenger boats in Malaysia waters are collisions while human errors is another recognized factor as the most common factor that contributes to most incidents. The area with high frequency of the incidents occurred in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Basically, this research could be used to support any plan to reduce the casualties on passenger lives and injuries, the vessels and the environments.