NTSB urges maritime academies to teach Empress casualty case

On Feb. 3, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a safety recommendation resulting from the Empress of the North grounding in 2007. The following is an excerpt from the NTSB’s investigative report:
 
As a result of its investigation of the Empress of the North accident, the National
Transportation Safety Board makes the following safety recommendations.
To the State and Federal Maritime Academies:
Teach your students the circumstances of this accident, including
their responsibility as newly licensed officers to prepare
themselves for assigned duties and to express their concerns if
placed in situations for which they are unprepared. (M‑08‑6)
To the Passenger Vessel Association:
Through your website, publications, and conferences, inform
your members about the circumstances of this accident, including
the need for masters to verify that officers of the navigation watch
are familiar with a vessel’s route, handling characteristics, and
bridge equipment. (M-08-7)
 
Click here to view the original investigative report.
By Professional Mariner Staff