Investigative Analysis of Marine Tugboat Accident in Nigeria. A Case Study of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers State

The research paper showed that the major causes of boat and ferry accidents in Nigeria include human factor errors, natural factors, and technical factors. The safety of life and navigation at sea are important to coastal, flag states and the entire international shipping community in sustaining the  growth  of  global  sea  trade.  National  governments  and  indeed  the  Federal  government  of Nigeria have committed substantial resources and efforts on programmes aimed at reducing the incidence  of  accident  involving  marine  vessels  at  sea.  The  primary  causes  of  boat  and  ferry accident  considered  in  this  paper  include  human,  natural,  and  technical  factors.  Human  factor constitutes the core causes of boat and ferry accidents in Nigeria inland waterways, as reflected in the calculated  value  of  X2 = 0.368,  a  value  within the acceptance region  as  it is less  than  the theoretical  value  of  X2 =  7.815.  The  human  factors  include  the  following:  overloading,  over speeding,  collision,  night  sailing  without  adequate  light,  grounding,  overcrowding  etc.  Natural factors  investigated  are:  sea  condition  (current),  tides  and  tidal  stream,  severe  wind,  reduced visibility,  stormy  seas,  darkness,  rainstorms  and  waves.  Technical  factors  include  shortcomings within  the  ship,  such  as,  steering  failure,  engine  failure,  corrosion  or  hull  failure  arising  from defective materials or construction. These findings have implication on regulation and enforcement by relevant authorities. In view of the findings and conclusion drawn in this study, it was suggested that Government should support these agencies such as NIWA, Marine Police, NIMASA, and the Nigeria Navy if possible with equipment’s, logistics in policing the waterway