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Improving operational safety during icebreaker operations

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Abstract

The study presented in this paper aims at investigating what safety measures that can be taken to improve the operational safety during icebreaker operations in the Baltic Sea. During icebreaker operations, the icebreaker and the assisted vessel operate in close proximity to each other, a distance which can be even smaller if weather and ice conditions are severe. This poses a severe threat to the operation, since the extremely short distance between the vessels leaves no room for error. The results, which are based on data collected through individual interviews and questionnaires, indicate several possible improvements. Firstly, on a regulatory level, the introduction of an ice navigation certificate for deck officers would set a minimal level of formal competency. Secondly, on a knowledge level, more ice navigation training and better language skills work in favour for the safety. Thirdly, on a technical level, having an electronic chart with target tracking capability increases the efficiency and safety of the passage through ice. In addition to these results, this study shows a need to further research the communication and language situation during icebreaker operations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Linnaeus University, Kalmar Maritime Academy, Landgången 4, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden

    Magnus Boström & Cecilia Österman

  2. IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd, Organizations, Products & Processes, Sustainable Working Life, Box 210 60, 100 31, Stockholm, Sweden

    Cecilia Österman

Authors
  1. Magnus Boström
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  2. Cecilia Österman
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Correspondence to Magnus Boström.

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Boström, M., Österman, C. Improving operational safety during icebreaker operations. WMU J Marit Affairs 16, 73–88 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-016-0105-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-016-0105-9

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