ASSESSING SHIP-BASED ACCIDENTS ON FERRIES IN THE NIGER DELTA

Abstract

This study focused on Assessing Ship-Based Accidents on Ferries in the Niger Delta. Maritime transport is a vital component of global trade and connectivity, facilitating economic activities and social interactions across continents, nations, and local communities. Despite the vital role of water
transportation in facilitating economic activities and fostering regional connectivity in the Niger Delta, the sector is plagued by a concerning prevalence of ship-based accidents on boats and  ferries. Among others, the objectives of this study include evaluating the primary causes of shipbased accidents on ferries in the Niger Delta as well as to uncover measures that can be implemented to mitigate ship-based accidents in the Niger Delta. The anchor theory of this research is the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP), and the study adopted
a survey research design. Descriptive statistics such as percentage frequency and econometric tools such as the Ordinary Least Squares regression technique was used in the analysis of the data
sourced from the questionnaire. From the results of the study, the primary causes of ship-based accidents such as collision with vessels or obstacles, navigation errors, etc. are significant and have substantial negative socio-economic effects in the Niger Delta region. The study thus recommends, among other policy recommendations, that regulatory bodies should enforce strict compliance with safety protocols and regulations. This includes regular inspections of ferry vessels to ensure they meet safety standards, proper documentation of maintenance activities, and penalties for noncompliance.