A method for optimizing maritime emergency resource allocation in inland waterways.

Maritime safety and emergency operation management are critical to preventing maritime accidents and mitigating risks. In this study, we propose a novel method to optimize maritime emergency resource allocation to improve emergency management efficiency. We combine the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and coefficient of variation (CV) to develop an inverse comprehensive weight (CW) - data envelopment analysis (DEA) model. We apply this model to evaluate the efficiency of allocating emergency resources among ten Maritime Safety Administrations (MSAs) in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River in China. Our results indicate that five MSAs have low emergency management benefits, and we propose emergency resource allocation optimization options to improve their emergency management benefits. This study provides policymakers with valuable insights and guidelines for optimizing maritime emergency resource allocation in inland waterways. • A novel method is proposed for optimizing maritime emergency resource allocation. • The proposed method is based on the inverse CW-DEA model. • Maritime emergency resource allocation schemes are optimized accounting for inputs and outputs. • A detailed optimization scheme could be formulated for the allocation of various emergency resources. • The method has the potential to promote the improvement of maritime emergency policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]