The main objective of this paper is to underscore the significance of human error as a dominant cause of maritime accidents. The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of 247 maritime accidents, with the aim being to identify human failures occurring during onboard and port activities, as well as during the supervision process. The first step of the analysis was facilitating the Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) as an advanced analytical tool for the identification and categorisation of human factors. Based on coding process, the most critical areas of human error are identified, based on the process of risk evaluation and assessment. Furthermore, a prediction model was developed for predicting the probability of fatality in a maritime accident. This model was constructed using logistic regression, considering the predominant causal factors and their interplay. Lastly, a set of preventive measures aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of maritime transport is provided.

Even though inland navigation represents the safest transport mode, consequences of accidents are significantly higher, because of the larger quantities of cargo transported, compared with the conventional means of transport. Accidents in inland waterways are a regular phenomenon throughout the year, causing deaths, injuries, and monetary loss, and endangering the environment. At present, comprehensive research on inland navigation accidents including their causes and consequences is lacking. For this purpose, data about real accidents on the Danube River were collected and analysed in this study. This paper provides a comprehensive study of the hazards (causal factors) and resulting risks in inland waterway transport. Two methods were applied to fulfil the aim—a cause and effect diagram, used for hazard identification, and a risk matrix, used for risk assessment. The analysis confirmed the presence of recurring hazards, resulting mainly from human behaviour. This study can be used for the methodology and design of preventive measures to ensure safe inland navigation.