An analysis of accidents in inland navigation in context of autonomous shipping

Abstract

The collection of data on accidents in inland navigation is not mandatory in many European countries. The lack of a harmonized methodology or a centralized database of information on accidents makes it difficult to obtain a comprehensive picture of safety on European inland waterways. Consequently, the possibilities for improvement of technical standards are limited. The problem becomes particularly evident in light of the significant navigational challenges such as the introduction of autonomous shipping. Attempting to provide a better understanding of safety in inland navigation, the paper presents the results of an analysis of data on some 700 accidents which took place on the inland waterways in Austria and Serbia, over a 15-year period (2001/2002-2017). The analysis indicates the fundamental conditions in which it would be possible to reduce the human presence or even remove the crew from inland ships.