On the 5th anniversary of the Conception dive boat fire that declared 34 lives, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy continued calls for the U.S. Coast Guard to require safety management systems (SMS) for all U.S.-flagged passenger vessels.

Talking at a media event with victims’ families, Homendy highlighted the longstanding nature of this suggestion: “The NTSB first suggested safety management systems (SMS) in the marine mode 20 years ago, and especially called for it on short passenger vessels since 2012. Additionally, Congress permitted the Coast Guard to mandate SMS in 2010. It’s 2024, and here we are, with no action”.

The Conception, caught fire before on September 2, 2019, while anchored off Santa Cruz Island, California, resulting in the deaths of 33 passengers and one crew member who were trapped in the berthing area. The NTSB concluded that an SMS could have helped recognize and address dangerous practices and fire risks before the incident occurred.

An SMS is a comprehensive risk management procedure, securing vessel operations aligned with regulations, company requirements, and best practices.

Following the investigation, the NTSB issued 10 new safety suggestions and reiterated its 2005 guidance for safety management systems (SMS) implementation on all U.S.-flag passenger vessels.

Despite the Coast Guard issuing interim rules managing many NTSB recommendations in December 2021, the SMS necessity remains unimplemented and progress has stalled.

The captain of the Conception was sentenced in May to four years in jail after being convicted of “seaman’s manslaughter” over the tragedy in November 2023.

Homendy completed this by sending a letter to the Coast Guard commandant and the Secretary of Homeland Security, urging immediate action on SMS conditions.

The NTSB’s push for safety management systems (SMS) expands beyond marine vessels, with successful implementation in commercial aviation credited with enhanced safety records.

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