Revisiting Unsinkable Ships: From Titanic to Helge Ingstad, the Long-Standing Issues and Persistent Risks of Ship Disasters

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to take a closer look at the theory of damage stability, i.e., origin, construction, organization and human developments, regulations, and in this context pinpoint a possible causal relationship between two specific ship losses: the losses of RMS Titanic and KNM Helge Ingstad. The paper does not discuss direct causes but rather tries to discuss possible causal links to the fact that the water intrusion was not limited or stopped by the ships` watertight subdivisions. References regarding assessments of the well-known loss of RMS Titanic are based on extensive studies carried out while assessment of possible ship construction defects and outcomes regarding poor decision-making related to the KNM Helge Ingstad loss refer to findings published in the National Safety Investigation Agency (NSIA) Part 2. The purpose of the paper is to set focus on the application of lessons learned after the loss of RMS Titanic associated to the main findings in the NSIA part 2 report. In this context, focus on whether the degree of competence we gain through Maritime Education and Training (MET) is sufficient, and then how this competence affects the practice. More specific, competence related to lessons learned regarding ship damage stability aspects such as survivability and recoverability.