Exact Colleges of Asia

MGMT 1 - LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK

“THE FATALITIES OF 188 LIVES IN

THE INCIDENT OF THE CAPSIZING OF
THE HERALD OF FREE ENTERPRISE”

CDT. TAN, CEDRIC RAFAEL D.

CDT. DIZON, ZILD JIAN M.
CDT. BINGCANG, JOMAR S.
CDT. LOPEZJOHN CARLO S.
CDT. SALAC, JUROM PAULO B.
 Introduction
• The capsizing of the Herald of Free Enterprise off the Belgian coast in March 1987 was
a tragic and pivotal maritime disaster that left an indelible mark on the shipping
industry's safety protocols.
• On the evening of March 6, 1987, as the vessel departed from Zeebrugge, Belgium,
bound for Dover, England, a sequence of critical errors and safety deficiencies resulted
in the ship taking on water and subsequently capsizing.
• The consequences of this disaster were devastating, with 193 lives lost; others say 188
were tragically lost.
• The Herald of Free Enterprise incident not only shook the maritime world but also
prompted a thorough investigation that uncovered a lot of contributing factors,
including human error, safety lapses, and design flaws.
• The outcome of this disaster were far-reaching, leading to significant changes in safety
regulations and maritime practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
 Summary
A combination of human errors, safety
deficiencies, and design flaws created a
perfect storm, resulting in the capsizing of
the Herald of Free Enterprise. The failure to
close the bow doors, inadequate ballast
adjustment, ineffective communication,
inaccessible escape routes, and design flaws
all contributed to the tragedy. This case
serves as a poignant reminder of the critical
importance of rigorous safety procedures,
stringent adherence to best practices, and
comprehensive emergency response
protocols in the maritime industry.
Conclusion
The Herald of Free Enterprise disaster serves as a
poignant case study highlighting the disastrous
consequences of lapses in safety procedures, human
errors, and design flaws in the maritime industry. The
loss of 193 lives in this tragedy underscores the
urgency of stringent safety measures, effective
communication, and comprehensive emergency
response plans. This case study is a stark reminder of
the maritime industry's ongoing commitment to
safety and risk management.
 RECOMMENDATIONS
1.Implement and rigorously enforce stringent safety protocols, including mandatory
checks to ensure all doors are securely closed before a vessel's departure or arrival.

2.Provide comprehensive training to all crew members, emphasizing the importance

of clear and effective communication during emergencies. Crews should be well-
prepared to respond promptly and efficiently in crisis situations.

3.Improve the design and visibility of safety alarms and indicators, ensuring they
are easily monitored by the crew and positioned for optimal visibility.

4.Conduct regular safety drills and exercises to ensure that crew members are well-
versed in emergency response procedures and safety equipment operation.
 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.Explore technologies and systems designed to mitigate the risk of human error,
possibly incorporating automation for critical safety procedures and redundancies in
key operations.

6.Establish a system of independent safety audits and inspections to assess safety

protocol adherence and overall safety culture on vessels.

7.Collaborate with international maritime regulatory bodies to establish and enforce

global safety standards, including mandatory safety checks before departure.

8.Educate passengers on safety procedures and emergency protocols, providing

clear instructions and guidance to enhance their situational awareness during
voyages.
 RECOMMENDATIONS
9.Foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety and risk management,
conducting regular reviews and updates of safety procedures and equipment to align
with evolving best practices.

10.Promote public awareness of maritime safety and encourage passengers and crew
to promptly report safety concerns or violations.
THANK YOU