Whether it’s onshore or offshore, the consequences of accidents can be catastrophic. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between onshore and offshore maritime accidents.
Comprehending each scenario’s unique challenges and factors can enable maritime workers to seek compensation for injuries incurred in either accident.
Causes of onshore maritime accidents
Onshore maritime accidents primarily occur in ports, harbors and coastal areas. The most common cause of onshore accidents is human error. This can involve mistakes the crew, operators or even port authorities make. Miscommunication, negligence and lack of proper training can all contribute to these errors.
Additionally, adverse weather conditions such as storms, heavy fog and strong currents can make onshore operations challenging, leading to accidents. Furthermore, technical failures, such as engine breakdowns or navigation system glitches, can also result in accidents.
Causes of offshore maritime accidents
Offshore accidents occur on open water, far from the safety of the coast. They can often be triggered by equipment failure. The complex machinery used in offshore operations can malfunction, posing a significant danger.
It’s also important to acknowledge that offshore locations are more susceptible to severe weather conditions, including hurricanes and typhoons, which can result in accidents. Additionally, in open waters, vessels are at a higher risk of colliding with other ships or objects, causing accidents.
The key differences to remember
One of the most significant differences between onshore and offshore accidents is the remote nature of the latter. Offshore accidents often occur far from immediate assistance and infrastructure, making rescue and containment efforts more challenging.
In addition, while both onshore and offshore accidents can have devastating environmental consequences, offshore accidents, particularly those involving oil spills, can be more challenging to address due to their location and the vastness of the open water.
If you’ve been involved in a maritime accident, it would help to seek legal input. A seasoned professional can help you establish how to go about seeking compensation.