Environmental impact of mishandlings on tankers
Environmental impact of mishandlings on tankers

Summary/Abstract: Sea transport of liquid substances (petroleum and its derivatives) is done with the use of vessels called tankers. Their incorrect operation constitutes a great threat to the natural environment of maritime areas. Neglect of individual operations or failure to observe guidelines in many cases lead to oil spills the consequences of which are frequently irreversible and pose a threat to environmental safety. This article analyses the threats engendered by improper operation of oil tankers and describes how the operations necessary in transport of liquid substances with the use of tankers should be performed. It is an important issue since elimination of the abovementioned threats at the same time favours the efforts aimed at the highest possible degree of safety of marine natural environment (or more broadly ecological safety). The article also attempts to answer the following questions: Is the majority of disasters involving tankers caused by a human factor? Are the disasters rather caused by political factors and armed conflicts? The answer to those questions may form a basis for further research aimed at raising the level of marine safety.

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