Improved design of safety aspects in ferries: case study of Tanzania.

Tanzanian ferries are among the fastest growing means of transportation in the marine Industry. The ferries fulfil a variety of transportation needs, from commercial to communicating and recreation. As faster moving ferries become available and expanding into roles with increased size, more people tend to choose this mode of transportation. Ferries alleviate transport problems in cities, villages and remote areas and improve the standard of living by facilitating smooth movement of people and their goods. It has been found many ferry accidents happening in developing and developed countries are due to human, material, management and design factors. Overloading poor maintenance of ferries, unqualified ferry operators. Poor construction of ferries and stability calculations, poor visibility and operating the vessels without proper navigational equipment are some of the major causes of accidents particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania. In this study, existing (ferries operational systems 9 ferries crossing channels not exceeding 15kmwith carrying capacity of not more than 1000 passengers per trip and traveling at 5 to 14 knots ) were investigated. Investigation was on collection and testing of materials` strength, assessment of physical conditions of ferries, sound and vibration measurements. Overseas ferry site visits to study ferry operational experiences and regulations were made. Similarly, study to observe the worst reported ferry accidents in the world was conducted in Bangladesh. The results obtained have indicated that a major overhaul of the ferry operational, and regulations in Tanzania need immediate action, which will improve the existing ferry safety problems. The study suggests that well-planned ferry operational services, regulations and procedures will tremendous reduce ferry accident in Tanzania. The study also suggests the use of ferry in cities with water transportation mode; this will reduce the use of commuter and private vehicles thereby alleviating the problems of traffic jams and polluting the environment.