In the realm of high-risk environments, the company OceanGate, responsible for the submersible that tragically imploded during a recent dive to the Titanic, neglected crucial principles upheld by experts in emergency management. These principles are essential for organizations operating in hazardous settings, as they help prevent accidents and catastrophic failures. According to Jack Rozdilsky, a professor of disaster and emergency management at York University in Toronto, OceanGate’s business, which involves transporting paying passengers to the depths of the North Atlantic, can be compared to the perilous work undertaken by companies in industries such as space exploration, offshore oil drilling, wildfire control, and nuclear power plants.
Understanding the Importance of High-Reliability Organizations in High-Risk Environments
The company behind the submersible that imploded during a recent dive to the Titanic ignored key principles that guide organizations working in high-risk environments, experts in emergency management say.
Comparing OceanGate’s Risky Venture to High-Hazard Domains
Jack Rozdilsky, a professor at York University in Toronto, sheds light on the nature of OceanGate’s business, ferrying paying passengers to the floor of the North Atlantic. He likens it to the immensely risky work of companies that launch space flights, drill for offshore oil, fight wildfires, or operate nuclear power plants.
The Attributes of High-Reliability Organizations
Highlighting the attributes of High-Reliability Organizations (HROs), Rozdilsky emphasizes their preoccupation with failure and the refusal to view near-misses as proof of success. He also stresses their practice of resilience, which involves providing backups for backups.
Questioning the Simplicity Approach in Titan’s OceanGate’s Engineering
Evidence suggests that OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush emphasized simplicity over complexity when designing the submersible Titan. However, Rozdilsky questions the decision to oversimplify such a deep-sea craft, stating that high-reliability organizations welcome complexity as it provides routes to safety.
Lessons from the Challenger Disaster and Risk Management Errors
Rozdilsky draws parallels between the space shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 and the potential risks faced by organizations operating in high-risk environments. He highlights the dangers of risk-management errors and the erosion of safety protocols, as seen in the Challenger case.
Near-Misses as Opportunities: The Preoccupation with Failure of OceanGate’s
Successful, high-risk organizations view near-misses as opportunities for improvement. Rozdilsky explains the significance of the preoccupation with failure rather than a preoccupation with success in maintaining safety and enhancing operational efficiency.
Troubles and Mishaps: Titan’s Problems Revealed
Recent revelations indicate that Titan, the submersible used by OceanGate for the Titanic dives, encountered numerous problems throughout its operation. Reports from German adventurer Arthur Loibl and YouTube celebrity Jake Koehler shed light on the technical and computer-related issues faced during their respective trips.
Safety Concerns during Construction and Lack of Preparedness
Red flags were raised during the construction of Titan, including safety concerns and improper testing. Furthermore, experts question OceanGate’s level of preparedness in dealing with emergencies, highlighting the absence of a detailed preparedness plan and the lack of certification for the submersible.
The Importance of Backup Systems in High-Risk Environments like OceanGate
The absence of backup systems in Titan’s design is a cause for concern, as high-reliability organizations prioritize having duplicate vehicles for rescue purposes. Experts emphasize the need for redundancy and backup plans to ensure the safety of personnel involved in deep-sea expeditions.
Jurisdiction Issues and Calls for Improved Safety Standards
Questions arise regarding the jurisdiction of the OceanGate operation, with suggestions that Transport Canada should have been involved. Calls for improved safety standards and the implementation of lessons learned from the incident highlight the need to prevent future tragedies and enhance safety in high-risk environments.