When ANSI B11.0 - 2023, 3.25 Fail-to-Safe Design Doesn't Apply in Maritime and Shipping

ANSI B11.0 - 2023, under section 3.25, defines 'fail-to-safe' as a design or event where a failure or fault within the system results in the hazardous situation being eliminated or mitigated. While this standard is pivotal in many industrial settings, its application in the maritime and shipping industry presents unique challenges and limitations.

Unique Challenges in Maritime and Shipping

The maritime and shipping industry operates in a dynamic environment where conditions can change rapidly. From weather conditions to the physical stresses of the sea, these factors can make fail-to-safe designs less effective or even inapplicable. For example, a fail-to-safe system on a ship's engine might shut down to prevent a hazardous situation, but this could leave the vessel adrift in dangerous waters.

Additionally, the complexity and scale of maritime systems often require a different approach to safety. While a manufacturing plant might implement fail-to-safe systems across its machinery, a ship's safety relies on a combination of fail-to-safe, fail-operational, and manual intervention strategies.

Regulatory Considerations

The maritime industry is governed by a different set of regulations, such as those from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard. These regulations prioritize the safety of the vessel, crew, and environment over the strict application of fail-to-safe designs. For instance, the IMO's International Safety Management (ISM) Code focuses on a comprehensive safety management system rather than specific fail-to-safe mechanisms.

When Fail-to-Safe Falls Short

In maritime and shipping, fail-to-safe designs can fall short in several scenarios:

• Redundancy and Fail-Operational Systems: Ships often rely on redundancy and fail-operational systems to maintain critical functions, such as propulsion and steering, even if one system fails. A strict fail-to-safe approach might compromise these capabilities.
• Environmental Factors: The harsh marine environment can affect the reliability of fail-to-safe systems. Corrosion, saltwater exposure, and extreme temperatures can lead to failures that are not anticipated in standard industrial settings.
• Manual Intervention: The ability of the crew to manually intervene and manage emergencies is crucial. Over-reliance on fail-to-safe systems might hinder the crew's ability to respond effectively to unforeseen situations.

Based on available research, individual results may vary, but the consensus is clear: while fail-to-safe designs are essential in many industries, the unique demands of the maritime and shipping sector require a tailored approach to safety management.

Third-Party Resources

For those seeking deeper insights into maritime safety standards and practices, the following resources are highly recommended:

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) - www.imo.org
• U.S. Coast Guard - www.uscg.mil
• Marine Technology Society - www.mtsociety.org

I've seen firsthand how the maritime industry adapts safety protocols to the unpredictable nature of the sea. We've worked with clients to develop safety management systems that incorporate fail-to-safe elements where appropriate, while also ensuring the crew can respond effectively to any situation.