Abstract

Maritime transportation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of transporting goods between different continents and geographies. It is a more economical means of unit transportation than road transportation. Nevertheless, the growth in maritime traffic and the advent of larger vessels may result in more severe consequences in the event of an accident. At this juncture, the most crucial instrument for averting further potential incidents is to ascertain the underlying causes of recent accidents. In this study, the M/V VITASPIRIT accident is examined through a root cause analysis utilizing the 5 Why technique and a fishbone diagram. The study results demonstrated that communication and awareness, as they pertain to human factors, are the primary dynamics influencing the accident process. Furthermore, it has been observed that effective bridge resource management represents a strategic tool for preventing maritime accidents. With the results obtained, the objective is to raise awareness regarding the prevention of similar accidents that may occur in the region and to create a reference source for policymakers to develop measures to enhance navigational safety.