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Passenger Vessel Safety - The Disproportionate Risk
Passenger safety is a top priority across the maritime industry, but the data tells us we still have work to do. Despite making up just 9% of Australia’s domestic commercial vessel fleet, passenger vessels were involved in over 45% of reported incidents in 2023. That imbalance raises two important questions: Why are passenger vessels so prone to incidents? And what can commercial vessel operators do to reduce the risk of incidents occurring?
Breaking Down the Numbers
According to AMSA’s Marine Incident Annual Report (2023):
- Passenger vessels accounted for 45.2% of reported incidents, despite being only 9% of the fleet, signalling both a good reporting culture and a need for improved safety measurements
- 44.8% of serious injury incidents were reported by passenger operations
- 19.4% of all incident reports involved injuries to a crew member or passenger
- Aspects relating to people (24.6%) and internal organisational issues (26.2%) form the majority of safety factors
- Most passenger vessel incidents were directly linked to weather and water conditions, operational access, and vessel control and navigation
Understanding the Risks
Several factors contribute to the higher rate of incidents on passenger vessels:
High Passenger Turnover – Every embarkation and disembarkation is a moment of risk. Unlike cargo vessels, passenger operations involve frequent loading and unloading, often in variable weather and sea conditions.
Inexperienced Passengers – Unlike crew members or workers, most passengers are not familiar with maritime environments. This makes them more vulnerable to slips, trips, and unsafe behaviours near the water.
Environmental Conditions – Boarding from jetties, pontoons, or beaches can be affected by tide, swell, or vessel movement, particularly on open-deck vessels or smaller ferries.
Crew Workload and Distraction – Crew must juggle multiple responsibilities during embarkation, including passenger headcounts, safety briefings, ticketing, and vessel prep. This can stretch focus and increase the likelihood of an incident.
Case Study 1: Children Overboard Incident (NSW, February 2023)
In one recent case, two children fell into the water while disembarking a ferry at Riverview College Wharf in New South Wales. The incident highlighted shortcomings in gangway safety and supervision, as well as the limited operational experience of the crew and competing task priorities. Emergency ladders, life rings, and better lighting were installed at the wharf after the investigation, and the vessel operator implemented improvements to its Safety Management System, but this incident served as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong
Case Study 2: Horizontal Falls Tour Boat Crash (WA, May 2022)
In May 2022, the high-speed tour boat Falls Express, operated by Journey Beyond Adventures, collided with a rock wall at Horizontal Falls in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. The vessel was navigating a narrow 7.5-meter gap when it struck the wall, resulting in serious injuries to several of the 26 passengers on board. An investigation revealed that the skipper failed to implement and comply with the vessel’s safety management system and misjudged the approach angle in turbulent waters. The incident highlights the necessity for rigorous risk assessments and strict adherence to SMS protocols, especially in challenging and remote operating environments.
Preventing Future Incidents: How to Improve Passenger Vessel Safety
- Clear Safety Protocols and a solid SMS
A well-implemented Safety Management System (SMS) that includes embarkation and disembarkation procedures is critical. - Equipment Checks
Regular inspection and maintenance of gangways, rails, and access points reduces mechanical failures and hazards. - Communication and Supervision
Passenger briefings, visible crew presence, and clear instructions all help reduce confusion and improve behaviour. - Targeted Training
Ongoing crew training focused on access safety and emergency response ensures teams are ready if something goes wrong.
Closing the Gap
The numbers don’t lie. Passenger vessels face unique operational challenges that make them more prone to incidents.
But those challenges also point to clear areas for improvement. With stronger safety systems, better training, and thoughtful design of embarkation processes, we can make every passenger journey safer from the very first step aboard.
