Analysis of risk influential factors of marine pilots during the embarkation and disembarkation

Due to the complex geographical conditions within the port waters, it is necessary to take pilotage operations. The embarkation and disembarkation (E&D) of marine pilots is the riskiest phase of pilotage work, with accidents occurring frequently. In order to examine the key Risk Influential Factors (RIFs) of E&D accident of marine pilots, in this study, a novel complex network model of RIFs of marine pilots during the E&D process is proposed. Firstly, based on the E&D accident investigation report of marine pilots, the causal chain of E&D accidents is extracted, and the RIFs leading to E&D accidents are identified. Secondly, a complex network model of RIFs of marine pilots during the E&D is constructed based on the complex networks theory, and the network reliability is verified. Finally, by comprehensive use of topology characteristics analysis, robustness analysis and module analysis, the key RIFs of pilot E&D accidents are identified. The research results show that pilot and management factors have important impact on pilot safety, ‘insufficient pilot ladder strength' is the most critical RIF. It should be focused on RIFs with high connectivity between modules and within modules, and the risk evolution can be blocked through the control of those RIFs. Abbreviations: BNs: Bayesian Networks; CDM: Critical Decision Method; DEMATEL: Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory; E&D: Embarkation and Disembarkation; FSA: Formal Safety Assessment; RIFs: Risk Influential Factors; RPD: Recognition-Primed Decision; SHERPA: Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach; SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea; VTS: Vessel Traffic Services; TECHR: Technique for Early Consideration of Human Reliability.