2006 Volume 115 Pages 25-30
In order to determinate the causes involved in the occurrence of the maritime casualties happened in the Pacific side of the Central American Region (CAR) between 1980 and 2004, the authors compiled necessary information about the maritime and port organization components from each of the CAR countries. In addition, maritime regulations associated with each country's maritime organization were analyzed. Furthermore, the maritime conventions issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which have been ratified by the CAR, were analyzed. Based on the information obtained and within the existent legal frame, the CAR port and maritime components were analyzed. In order to establish a comparison parameter for the CAR maritime organization grade, the compiled information was compared against the information obtained from the Japanese maritime authorities. The objective of this research is to analyze the maritime components applied by the CAR in the prevention of maritime casualties and to determinate the possible relationship between the high fatality rate and the CAR maritime organization. Based on the comparison of the compiled information, authors determined the CAR maritime organization level and the difference that exists among the Maritime Organizations. The results of this study provides general understanding of the causes of maritime casualties in the CAR and basis for support in improving safety navigation system and measures so that the number of fatalities and maritime casualties may be reduced in the future.
