Robust analysis of cost-effectiveness in formal safety assessment

The paper probes the robustness of the present method for evaluating the cost-effectiveness (CE) of risk control options, which are identified through the International Maritime Organisation Guidelines on Formal Safety Assessment (FSA). We highlight the deficiencies of the current CE method, undermining its lucidity and consistency in application. The proposed approach outlines a mathematical formulation that neatly integrates all aspects of CE measures along with its application based on the Pareto dominance concept. We benchmark our method against CE results found in the FSAs for cargo and passenger ships, demonstrating the ease of application and clarity of interpretation.     

A critical look at SOLAS CH II-1 with respect to floodable length of compartments in RoPax ships

The paper presents findings of a research project (RP625) funded by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) with the purpose to provide evidence of equivalence, or lack thereof, between previous and currently in force legislative instruments governing damage stability of RoPax ships, with special focus on inboard spaces with low degree of subdivision, referred as long lower holds (LLH). The outcome of this research brings more clarity and reassurance to the industry and administrations when addressing the specific safety implications of new designs with such large un-subdivided spaces, specifically indicating that the present SOLAS 2009 regulations are able to adequately cater for ship design equipped with LLH.