Statistical Summary Marine Occurrences 2010

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Table of Contents

• Marine Occurences in 2010
• Accidents
  • Overview of Accidents and Casualties
  • Shipping Accidents
• Incidents
  • Overview of Incidents
• Appendices
  • Appendix A Marine Occurrence Tables
  • Appendix B Definitions
  • Appendix C Regional Limits
• Tables
  • Table 1 Total Marine Occurrences - Types, Vessels and Losses Involved, 2001-2010
  • Table 2a Marine Occurrences by Region - Occurrences, Vessels and Losses Involved, 2001-2010
  • Table 2b Marine Occurrences by Region - Occurrences, Vessels and Losses Involved, 2001-2010
  • Table 3 Canadian-Flag Vessels Involved in Shipping Accidents by Vessel Category and Type of Accident (Including Commercial Accident Rate), 2001-2010
  • Table 4 Foreign-Flag Vessels Involved in Shipping Accidents by Vessel Category and Type of Accident (Including Commercial Accident Rate), 2001-2010
  • Table 5 Masters, Skippers and Operators Involved in Shipping Accidents by Vessel Flag and Crew Qualification, 2001-2010
  • Table 6 Vessels Lost by Vessel Category and Age, 2001-2010
  • Table 7 Accidents, Fatalities and Injuries by Type of Accident, 2001-2010
  • Table 8 Accidents, Fatalities and Injuries by Type of Vessel, 2001-2010
• Figures
  • Figure 1 Accidents Aboard Ship and Shipping Accidents, 2001-2010
  • Figure 2 Marine Fatalities and Injuries, 2001-2010
  • Figure 3 Shipping Accidents by Accident Type
  • Figure 4 Shipping Accidents by Vessel Type
  • Figure 5 Shipping Accidents by Region
  • Figure 6 Canadian-Flag Vessels Involved in Shipping Accidents, 2001-2010
  • Figure 7 Marine Incidents by Type, 2010

Foreword

This document provides users of Canadian maritime safety data with an annual summary of selected statistics on marine occurrences. It covers commercial vessels, which include all vessels registered or licensed to operate commercially. Pleasure craft occurrences are not normally included unless they also involve a commercial vessel.

Users of these statistics are advised that, in a live database, the occurrence data are constantly being updated. Consequently, the statistics can change slightly over time. Further, as many occurrences are not formally investigated, information recorded on some occurrences may not have been verified. Therefore, caution should be used when using these statistics. The 2010 statistics presented here reflect the TSB database updated as of 16 March 2011.

To enhance awareness and increase the safety value of the material presented in the Statistical Summary, Marine Occurrences 2010, readers are encouraged to copy or reprint the data presented, in whole or in part, for further distribution (with acknowledgements of the source).

The TSB is an independent agency operating under its own Act of Parliament. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety.

Comments on this document can be forwarded to the following address:

Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Communications Division
Place du Centre
200 Promenade du Portage
4th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 1K8

Telephone: 819-994-3741
Facsimile: 819-997-2239
E-mail: communications@tsb.gc.ca

©  Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 2010
      Cat. No. TU1-1/2010E

Marine Occurrences in 2010

Accidents

Overview of Accidents and Casualties (Tables 1 and 8)

In 2010, 353 marine accidents were reported to the TSB, down from the 2009 total of 393 and the 2005-2009 average of 447. Over the past 10 years, nearly 90% of marine accidents have been shipping accidents, while the remainder were accidents aboard ship (see Appendix B — Definitions).

Shipping accidents reached a 36-year low of 299 in 2010, a 12% decrease from the 2009 total of 341 and a 24% decrease from the 2005-2009 average of 393. Statistical analysis using linear regression indicates that there has been a significant downward trend¹ in the number of shipping accidents since 2001 (p<0.001) (Figure 1). In 2010, there were 52 accidents aboard ship, up from 59 in 2009 but down slightly from the 2005-2009 average of 54. The majority of accidents aboard ship occurred on cargo/bulk carrier/OBO² vessels (31%) and fishing vessels (26%).

Figure 1 - Accidents Aboard Ship and Shipping Accidents, 2001-2010 [D]

Marine-related fatalities totalled 17 in 2010 (Figure 2), down from the 2009 total of14 and the 2005-2009 average of 19. Fishing vessel accidents accounted for 7 of the 11 shipping vessel fatalities in 2010.

Injuries in 2010 totalled 64, down from 68 in 2009 and the 2005-2009 average of 72. Fifty of the 64 injuries (48 of the 51 serious injuries) resulted from accidents aboard ship, and 11 of those (all serious) occurred aboard fishing vessels.

Figure 2 - Marine Fatalities and Injuries, 2001-2010 [D]

Shipping Accidents

Type of Accidents (Table 1): As illustrated in Figure 3, the most frequent types of shipping accidents in 2010 were groundings (34%) and fire/explosions (18%). Groundings increased by 8% from the five-year average, while fire/explosions decreased by 7% and striking accidents decreased by 35%.

Figure 3 - Shipping Accidents by Accident Type [D]

Type of Vessels (Table 1): In 2010, there were 23 547 registered fishing vessels in Canada, representing 57% of all registered vessels excluding pleasure craft (source: Transport Canada). Since 2001, 46% of the vessels involved in shipping accidents have been fishing vessels. In 2010, there were 136 fishing vessels involved in shipping accidents (Figure 4), compared to 140 in 2009 and the 2005-2009 average of 190. After fishing vessels, bulk carriers/OBO vessels (13%) and tugs/barges (13%) were involved most often in shipping accidents.

Figure 4 - Shipping Accidents by Vessel Type [D]

Geographical Region (Tables 2a and 2b): In 2010, 71% of shipping accidents occurred in three of the seven geographical regions (Figure 5): the Western region (30%), the Maritimes region (23%) and the Laurentian region (18%). Shipping accidents decreased from the 2005-2009 average by 52% in the Newfoundland region and 26% in the Laurentian region. The Central region had 41 shipping accidents, down 14% from the 2005-2009 average of 46. The Central and Newfoundland regions each accounted for 14% and 11% of shipping accidents respectively. Within the narrower waterways of the Central region, accidents most often involved larger commercial vessels such as cargo/bulk carrier/OBO vessels. The remaining 4% of shipping accidents took place in foreign waters (8) or in the Arctic region (5).

Although accidents involving fishing vessels accounted for approximately three-quarters of all shipping accidents in the Maritimes region, fishing vessels involved in shipping accidents decreased in the Western, Laurentian, Maritimes and Newfoundland regions compared to the 2005-2009 average. In the Newfoundland region, 19 fishing vessels were involved in shipping accidents, down 65% from the 2005-2009 average of 54.

Figure 5 - Shipping Accidents by Region [D]

Vessel Flag (Tables 1, 3 and 4): In 2010, 83% of the 321 vessels involved in shipping accidents reported to the TSB were Canadian-flag vessels. In all, 50% of the Canadian-flag vessels were fishing vessels, 37% were commercial non-fishing vessels and the remaining 13% were non-commercial/pleasure craft or service vessels (Figure 6).

Figure 6 - Canadian-Flag Vessels Involved in Shipping Accidents, 2001-2010 [D]

For Canadian-flag fishing vessels in 2010, groundings (38%) and fire/explosions (21%) were the most frequent shipping accident types. Canadian-flag commercial non-fishing vessels were mostly involved in groundings (33%) or strikings (24%). Marine activity for Canadian commercial non-fishing vessels over 15 gross tons (grt) (excluding passenger vessels and cruise ships) decreased by 18% from the 2005-2009 average. This yields an accident rate of 3.3 accidents per 1000 movements, down from the five-year average of 3.9.

In 2010, 53 foreign-flag vessels were involved in shipping accidents in Canadian waters, 91% of which were commercial non-fishing vessels involved mainly in strikings (29%) or groundings (29%). Marine activity for foreign commercial non-fishing vessels decreased by 9% from the 2005-2009 average while the accident rate decreased to 1.7 accidents per 1000 movements from the five-year average of 1.9.

Vessels Lost (Tables 1 and 6):In 2010, 26 vessels were reported lost, down from 27 in 2009 and the 2005-2009 average of 31. During the past 10 years, small fishing vessels (less than 15 gross tons [grt])³ have accounted for the largest proportion of vessels lost in Canada. Of the 26 vessels lost in 2010, 7 were commercial non-fishing vessels and 23 were fishing vessels. Nearly half (46%) of vessels lost were less than 15 grt, and 42% were 20 years or older.

Incidents

Overview of Incidents (Tables 1, 2a and 2b)

Pursuant to mandatory reporting requirements, 234 marine incidents were reported to the TSB in 2010, down from the 2009 total of 247 and the 2005-2009 average of 255. The majority of reportable incidents consisted of engine/rudder/propeller failures. The Western region had the majority of close-quarters situations (74%) and engine/rudder/propeller incidents (55%).

In 2010, incidents in the Western region represented 50% of all marine incidents. The proportion of marine incidents in other regions was as follows: Laurentian 19%, Central 18%, Newfoundland 6% and Maritimes 3%. Seven reported incidents took place in foreign waters, and three occurred in the Arctic region.

In 2010, vessels most often involved in close-quarters situations were commercial vessels (70%) and fishing vessels (22%). In the majority of these incidents, the vessels involved were fishing, tugs, ferries and cargo/bulk carrier/OBO vessels.

Figure 7 - Marine Incidents by Type, 2010 [D]

Appendix A — Marine Occurence Tables

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Appendix B — Definitions

The following definitions apply to marine occurrences that are required to be reported pursuant to the Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act and the associated regulations.

Marine Occurrence

1. any accident or incident associated with the operation of a ship⁴ and
2. any situation or condition that the Board has reasonable grounds to believe could, if left unattended, induce an accident or incident described in paragraph a) above.

The Act applies

1. in Canada; and
2. in any other place, including waters described in paragraph c), if
   1. Canada is requested to investigate the marine occurrence by an appropriate authority,
   2. the marine occurrence involves a ship registered or licensed in Canada, or
   3. a competent witness to, or person having information concerning a matter that may have contributed to, the marine occurrence arrives or is found at any place in Canada.
3. This Act also applies in respect of marine occurrences related to an activity concerning the exploration or exploitation of the continental shelf.

Reportable Marine Accident

An accident resulting directly from the operation of a ship other than a pleasure craft,⁵ where

1. a person sustains a serious injury or is killed as a result of
   1. being on board the ship or falling overboard from the ship, or
   2. coming into contact with any part of the ship or its contents, or
2. the ship
   1. sinks, founders or capsizes,
   2. is involved in a collision (which includes collisions, strikings and contacts),
   3. sustains a fire or an explosion,
   4. goes aground,
   5. sustains damage that affects its seaworthiness or renders it unfit for its purpose, or
   6. is missing or abandoned.

For statistical purposes, accidents defined in paragraph a) are classified as "Accidents Aboard Ship" and accidents defined in paragraph b) are classified as "Shipping Accidents."

Reportable Marine Incident

An incident resulting directly from the operation of a ship, other than a pleasure craft, where

1. a person falls overboard from the ship;
2. the ship, of 100 gross tons or more, unintentionally makes contact with the bottom without going aground;
3. the ship fouls a utility cable or pipe, or underwater pipeline;
4. the ship is involved in a risk of collision;
5. the ship sustains a total failure of any machinery;
6. the ship sustains a shifting of cargo or a loss of cargo overboard;
7. the ship is intentionally grounded or beached to avoid an accident;
8. any crew member whose duties are directly related to the safe operation of the ship is unable to perform the crew member's duties as a result of a physical incapacitation that poses a threat to the safety of any person, property or the environment; or
9. any dangerous goods are released on board or from the ship.

Vessels Covered

This report covers commercial vessels that include all vessels either registered or licensed to operate commercially. Pleasure craft occurrences are not normally included unless they also involved a commercial vessel.

Vessel Categories

• Commercial Vessels: include cargo vessels, ferries, tankers, passenger vessels, tugs and barges.
• Fishing Vessels: include vessels involved in commercial fishing.
• Other Vessels: include research vessels, oil exploration, exploitation and support vessels, government vessels and pleasure craft.

Type of Vessel

Cargo: Ships designed for the carriage of various types and forms of cargo and the combined carriage of general cargo and passengers with 12 or less fare-paying passengers.

Bulk Carrier: Ships specifically designed for bulk carriage of ore or other dry cargo.

OBO (Oil/Bulk/Ore Carrier): Ships specifically designed for bulk carriage of ore with additional facilities for alternative, but not simultaneous, carriage of oil or loose dry cargo.

Tanker: Propelled ships designed and constructed for the bulk carriage of liquids.

Tug: Vessels designed for the towing and pushing of ships or other floating structures. Additional activity may include salvage, fire-fighting and work duties of a general nature.

Barge: Vessels designed as non-propelled units for the carriage of cargo in holds or in tanks or weather deck cargo space only for the carriage of non-perishable cargo, or specially outfitted for specific operations.

Ferry: Ships that follow a regular scheduled service of relatively short duration, designed for the carriage of passengers and vehicles. There is usually no cabin accommodation for passengers or not all passengers are accommodated in cabins where cabins are provided.

Passenger: Vessels designed for the carriage of passengers.

Fishing: Vessels designed for fishing operations and support.

Service: Vessels designed for supporting marine transportation such as icebreakers, buoy tenders, search and rescue vessels, pilot boats and fireboats.

Non-Commercial: Vessels designed to conduct non-commercial activities such as pleasure craft, seaplanes and naval vessels.

Other: Vessels designed for other functions such as laying and repair of sea-bed cables, dredging, training, patrolling as well as ships and platforms designed for the extraction, processing, and storage of oil/gas from offshore wells; ships designed for the carriage of stores and cargo to offshore installations; ships outfitted for support activities related to offshore oil and gas exploration; and vessels designed for research work such as seismic research, oceanic and hydrographic survey.

Type of Accident

Collision: An impact between two or more vessels under way.

Capsizing: To turn over.

Foundering: To fill from above the waterline and sink.

Sinking: To become submerged from water intake below the waterline and settle to the bottom.

Fire: Where a fire is the first event reported.

Explosion: Where an explosion is the first event reported.

Grounding: To touch bottom and remain stranded.

Striking: A hard impact with a stationary object or a vessel not under way.

Ice Damage: Damage sustained as a consequence of contact with ice.

Propeller Damage: Damage to a vessel propeller, propeller portion or propeller adjoining parts affecting a vessel's seaworthiness or rendering the vessel unfit for its purpose.

Rudder Damage: Damage to a vessel rudder or rudder adjoining parts affecting a vessel's seaworthiness or rendering the vessel unfit for its purpose.

Structural Damage: Hull damage, such as cracks and fractures, sustained by a vessel affecting its seaworthiness or rendering the vessel unfit for its purpose.

Flooding: To fill a compartment below the waterline with water admitted from the sea.

Other: Vessels lost or damaged for other reasons, including contact defined as a lateral/light impact with another vessel or an object (that is, bottom contact affecting a vessel's seaworthiness or rendering the vessel unfit for its purpose).

Miscellaneous

Gross tons (grt): A measure of vessel capacity in cubic feet of the spaces within the hull, and of enclosed spaces above deck available for cargo, stores, fuel, passengers and crew, with certain exclusions. One hundred cubic feet is equivalent to one gross ton.

Movement: A vessel's travel segment between ports with at least one port being a domestic port.

Under way: Vessel not at anchor or made fast to shore or aground.

Appendix C — Regional Limits

1. It is agreed by convention that, for a result to be considered statistically significant, its probability must be lower than 1 in 20 (that is, p<0.05). ↑
2. Oil/bulk/ore carrier (OBO), see Appendix B. ↑
3. The majority of vessels classified under “unknown tonnage” were vessels known to be 15 gross tons or less. ↑
4. Ship includes: a) every description of vessel, boat or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for marine navigation without regard to method or lack of propulsion, and b) a dynamically supported craft. ↑
5. Pleasure craft means a ship that is used for pleasure or recreation and does not carry goods or passengers for hire or reward. ↑