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Originally Posted by xrvjorn
One of my friends lost his daughter on the "Estonia". "Estonia" COULD NOT transmit it's position since they lost the power supply for the GPS. They didn't even have a hand held unit for backup. Some interesting practices of the ferry lines around here where revealed after the accident, e g trucks where not secured against sliding in heavy weather.
After the fire on the "Scandinavian Star", a fire test was made on a section that either survived the fire on was rebuilt using the same materials (I don't remember which). Within 30 seconds, the section was filled with cyanide gas emitted from the burning plastics. Good luck trying to get an airplane certified with that choice of materials.
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Just like airlines, you have ferry lines that are fully compliant with all existing regulations, and you have ferry lines that are under the "40 ounces and a pack of smoke" inspection regimen. Estonia sunk twelve years ago, because of a monumental screw up. People have learned. Standards have changed (ISM! YEAH!) (A hand held GPS wouldn't have been much help, either. Trying to find it with a 30 degree list, in emergency lighting, then having to stand outside until you get the fix, in a storm, wouldn't make for a fun and happy time)
Badly lashed truck are dangerous. Lashing trucks take a long time. Time cost money. Passengers like cheap tickets. Yeah, it's a sucky situation, but economic pressure is just something we have to live with.
Scandinavian Star was built in 1971. Keel might have been laid down in 1970 or so. Wouldn't pass muster today.
Have you heard of SwissAir 111? Fire proof insulation on electrical wiring caught fire. They wouldn't let you use that on a boat, either - Now.
I'd much prefer travelling by sea than by air. But then, I'm willing to understand that there's a risk involved in any form of travel. And there are incompetent idiots working in any industry.
Saying that the whole maritime industry is not safety conscious is pretty offensive - We're just stuck with some unscrupulous owners, and, well, the competition's harsh.
Once aviation catches on to the whole flag-of-convenience gimmick, it'll be just as bad.
