Possible remedies for intact stability hazards involving contemporary small inland passenger ferries in Bangladesh

On the basis of previous studies, a series of hazards involving the typical small inland passenger ferries operating in inland Bangladeshi waters have been identified. In particular, stormy weather conditions, overloading, and the risk of crowding to one side have been determined as the typical events that are likely to lead to capsizing in the intact condition. In this article, possible hazard mitigation measures are discussed, both from the regulatory and from the design point of view, for a small inland ferry that is very similar to one that actually capsized in the past. The addressed design options involve ballasting and hull modification by means of additional buoyancy above the waterline. From a regulatory point of view, it is proposed that the present weather criterion in force in Bangladesh be modified by increasing the wind speed to be accounted for and by considering the concurrent effects of wind, rolling, and the crowding of people to one side.     

A rational analysis of intact stability hazards involving small inland passenger ferries in Bangladesh

The safety of inland passenger vessels operating in Bangladesh has been investigated. By thorough analysis of past accident data, the main causes of intact stability failures have been determined: adverse weather conditions and overloading, likely resulting in crowding to one side. Historical series of wind data were gathered and their analysis suggests that an increase in the wind speed presently used in the Weather Criterion in force in Bangladesh could be advisable. A model of a small passenger ship typically operated in Bangladesh has been analyzed in order to identify the most relevant hazards under intact ship conditions. A strongly jeopardizing effect of overloading under intact ship conditions has been detected when analyzing the hazard from the crowding of people to one side.