The crash of the Cuauhtémoc school ship in New York was because it did not have the necessary propulsion and was at the mercy of the wind and strong current, as well as the tugboat, which is auxiliary in the maneuver, left it to drift, considered the president of the Mexican Chamber of the Maritime Transport Industry (Cameintram), José Manuel Urreta Ortega.
“The sea is a dynamic environment, and although all established rules are followed, there are variables such as meteorology or water conditions that can alter a perfectly planned operation,” said the businessman.
He said that these types of situations do not necessarily indicate human or technical failures, but are part of the risk inherent in maritime navigation, which is considered in security systems and staff training.
He added that during sailing or bearing maneuvers, a sudden current or a non -planned wind streak can modify the trajectory of a ship, although the established procedures are followed and technical support and specialized personnel are have.
Lee: Authorities received 3 calls for assistance from the Cuauhtémoc ship 4 minutes after sailing
He said that the Secretariat of the Navy and the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine supervise that the standards are complied with in national ships and in foreign vessels operating in the country’s waters, so it supported the command, crew and instructors of the ship.
The navigation and cauls of the ships, including the freighters, are governed by international standards and protocols designed to guarantee the safety of vessels, their crew and the maritime-port environment, he said.
Despite the fulfillment of international standards and protocols, there are natural factors that can sometimes influence the safety of maritime maneuvers, he said.
He pointed out that conditions such as strong currents, changing tides or winding bursts can affect the accuracy of a docking or sailing maneuver, especially in small spaces such as channels or bridges.
These elements are constantly evaluated by the port authorities, but their behavior can be variable in minutes, he said.
The businessman commented that among the main provisions that regulate the safety of ships, are the Solas Convention (Safety of Life AT Sea), the most important international standard on the safety of ships since it establishes requirements on construction, equipment, navigation, fire prevention, rescue and protection of human life in the sea.
Lee: Sheinbaum reports that two cadets are still hospitalized in NY after collision of the Cuauhtémoc ship
There is also the ISM code (International Safety Management Code), which forces shipping companies to implement security management systems that ensure safe operations, accident prevention and marine environment protection.
As well as the International Regulation to prevent approaches at sea (Colreg), which establishes the navigation rules that all ships must follow to avoid collisions, including maneuvering signs, safe speed and passage rights, and the Marpol Convention (International Agreement to prevent contamination by ships), which despite being focused on environmental protection, includes safe operating provisions related to waste management and dangerous substances.
“All vessels, both commercial and instruction, operate under a very clear regulatory framework that establishes how maneuvers in port, in navigable channels and international waters should be performed. These standards are in force and are rigorously apply to maritime transport,” he said.
Follow us on Google News to always keep you informed
