Blue Ribbon Report: Ferries are safe

For a decade if not longer, it's been the subject of debate among reporters, passengers, WSF crews, maritime experts and others. And when the movie Titanic was released two years ago, interest was renewed and once again some were wondering, "Are lifeboats needed on Washington State Ferries?" Now, at last, it appears the question has been answered. After a year-long study, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Ferry Safety has presented the Transportation Commission with a list of findings and recommendations dealing with a variety of safety-related issues. The results are expected to impact the way ferry system managers, staff and crew conduct business for years to come. The consultants were asked to assess the adequacy of passenger and crew safety in the ferry system, perform an evaluation of the level of risk present in the ferry system, and prepare recommendations to improve safety. Based on analysis and observations made throughout the year, the panel arrived at several general conclusions. Among the conclusions: · Washington State Ferries has a historical safety record that compares favorably with other maritime and non-maritime surface transportation modes. · There is inherent risk in managing a complex, large-scale system such as the ferries. · Several initiatives within the ferry system have already begun to enhance safety and address prevention and response needs. · In response to questions about the need for more survival craft, analysis of potential collision scenarios demonstrates that in less than 10 percent of these scenarios additional survival craft are one of the viable alternatives to provide additional time for response and prevent further injuries or casualties. Sixteen specific risk recommendations are cited in the report. In terms of general risk management, it was recommended the ferry system improve its capabilities to detect and manage risk and to prepare for potential emergencies. The ferry system should actively participate in the Puget Sound Marine Committee (PSMC) to increase risk-management communication and enhance emergency preparedness, the report said. And it should strive to meet the highest possible standards for disaster preparedness and planning for potential mass casualty events. The Panel focused on prevention as a key element to maintaining a high level of safety. Several recommendations were listed including the system-wide implementation of the Safety Management System enhanced training, and coordination with the USCG to minimize the likelihood of an accident. Although the report finds the probability of a catastrophic event is low, it does recommend a high level of preparedness. Recommendations include improved shipboard crisis and emergency management capability of vessel crews, improved response coordination between the ferry system and the USCG and development of comprehensive crisis plans.