Search

Reports on the International Maritime Organization's proposals to upgrade safety standards of roll-on-roll-off ferries following the capsizing of the ship Estonia in the Baltics. Vulnerability for capsizing due to open car decks; Previous accidents in European waters; Possible amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

Relates that Britain has been attempting to persuade the international community to modify roll-on roll-off ferries, partly as a result of research by British Maritime Technology and the Department of Transport. Preventing a repeat of the Zeebrugge tragedy; Lloyd Register estimates of possible collision. INSET: The options for greater safety at sea..

Focuses on the designs of Dracos Vassalos, head of Strathclyde University's ship stability research center, to improve ship building. Winner of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects competition; Details of accidents involving the British car ferry Herald of Free Enterprise and the Baltic ferry Estonia; How Vassalos' design will make ferries safer.

Reports the recommendations of the Royal Academy of Engineers requiring ro-ro ferries to meet certain safety standards. Details of their recommendations.

Discusses the use of wing spaces on roll-on roll-off ferries to prevent them from capsizing. Capsize of several ferries demonstrating the vulnerability of wide-open car decks; Results of research program started by the International Maritime Organization to investigate ferry stability; Advantages of using wing space design.

Opinion. Laments the capsizing of the ro-ro ferry Estonia in the Baltic seas. Fatal capsizes in European waters in the past 12 years; Vulnerability due to a large, open car deck barely above the waterline; Opposition to design changes from shipowners; Human errors that caused the ferry to sail with its doors open.

Announces that Britain will push for stricter international rules regarding the stability of roll-on roll-off ferries. Reducing the risk of disasters such as the Zeebrugge disaster; Roll-over of the Herald of Free Enterprise off the Belgian coast in 1987; Watertight bunkheads and devices to improve stability; Cost increases to run ferries.b.