Port of StocktonCimbriaTBA GroupTelestackPort of South LouisianaTMS Awards 2023
  • Port of Stockton
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Vigan
  • Van Aalst
  • Telestack

HOT approach to incident investigation

(Posted on 27/03/19)

Reaping the full benefits of incident investigations is a complex challenge. DNV GL integrated human, organizational and technical dimensions, also known as its “HOT” approach, to help Carnival Corporation & plc develop a more efficient investigation process with outcomes that have greater impact.

DNV GL’s experience from a range of hazardous industries suggests that while most companies are relatively confident about their incident notification and lesson-sharing systems, they often struggle with the critical step in between: the effectiveness of their investigation process.

The maritime industry takes a predominantly reactive approach to high-frequency safety events and human error – action is typically taken after the damage has occurred, rather than proactively. The industry is still learning to understand that reducing occupational accidents has little or no effect on the number of major accidents with more complex causes and more severe consequences. Limiting the focus of attention to the symptoms of malfunctioning systems, or blaming someone who made a mistake, has little effect on the more underlying causes of an accident.

What is needed is a standardized, systematic and traceable investigation methodology that allows companies to identify the root causes of incidents and derive the necessary cultural changes. The incident investigation process should be embedded in a safety management system that unearths underlying causes, explaining both how and why processes in the safety management system succeed or fail. When this is clear, systemic measures for improvement can be identified.

Because of its sheer size and global reach, Carnival Corporation & plc (Carnival), the world’s largest leisure travel company, plays an important role in setting safety standards for the industry. This includes learning from near misses, incidents and accidents to prevent reoccurrence. When performing incident investigations, Carnival was facing the same challenges many in the maritime industry struggle with.

Richard Brilliant, Chief Audit Officer heading Carnival’s Risk Advisory & Assurance Services (RAAS), explains: “We understood that investigations are a powerful tool for learning and improving. Taking a critical look at our processes, we realized there were opportunities to reduce the amount of time it took to perform investigations, to make sure the content and format of reports were appropriate, and that we had a five-star organizational and process model that supported investigator competency and investigation quality.”

Latest News

Torvald Klaveness consolidates groupwide digital solutions

(Posted on 31/03/25)

Torvald Klaveness has announced the decision to consolidate all digital services under Klaveness Digital... Read more


INTERCARGO reaffirms call for simplicity as IMO climate talks intensify

(Posted on 31/03/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has renewed its call for straightforward... Read more


The Swedish Club reports strong 2024 results

(Posted on 31/03/25)

The Swedish Club has delivered strong results for 2024, posting a USD 34 million profit and significantly... Read more


NORDEN adds two newbuilding Capesize leases with purchase options

(Posted on 27/03/25)

In line with NORDEN’s positive long-term outlook for Capesize freight rates, the company have... Read more


Enhanced data collection for Western Bulk

(Posted on 27/03/25)

OrbitMI, a global provider of maritime software and data products, has expanded its workflow capabilities... Read more


ClassNK appoints new President & CEO and Executive Vice President

(Posted on 27/03/25)

Current ClassNK Senior Vice President Hayato Suga has been appointed as President & CEO as well... Read more


ASL sees continued surge in demand for Cape Size carriers

(Posted on 19/03/25)

The surge in demand for Cape Size bulk carriers will continue for another six weeks, driven on by increased... Read more


Partnership to enhance compliance and emissions management

(Posted on 18/03/25)

OrbitMI, a leading provider of maritime SaaS software, has announced that Istanbul-based Statu Shipping... Read more


INTERCARGO statement on loss of seafarers in Odesa bulker attack

(Posted on 18/03/25)

“The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is deeply saddened by the... Read more


DNV white paper on adoption of ammonia and hydrogen fuels

(Posted on 18/03/25)

As the shipping industry continues its transition to carbon-neutral fuels, ammonia and hydrogen are... Read more


Geneva DryViganSailors SocietyVan AalstBühler GmbH
  • Cimbria
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Sailors Society

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping