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Figure 4-1 Causes Ascribed to Marine Transportation Accidents, 1996-2000

Figure 4-1
Causes Ascribed to Marine Transportation Accidents, 1996-2000

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Figure 4-1 Causes Ascribed to Marine Transportation Accidents, 1996-2000. If you are a user with disability and cannot view this image, use the table version. If you need further assistance, call 800-853-1351.

NOTE: Only accidents involving a fatality, a missing person, an injury, or at least $25,000 in damages are included.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Safety Information Management System database as of December 2001.

  • Two-thirds of marine transportation accidents involve human factors, such as misunderstanding or ignoring hazard warnings, operating in adverse conditions without adequate weather monitoring, and navigational errors.
  • Over one-fifth of accidents are caused by a failure of vessel equipment, such as deck machinery, generators, propulsion controls, and fuel systems.