Koper, as the only international cargo port of Slovenia, yearly hosts approximately two thousand ships. These carry different cargoes ranging from liquid, bulk, general cargoes and cars to containers. The last two types, along with cruise ships, are among the largest in terms of size. In addition, the Slovenian part of the Gulf of Trieste is a crossing point to Trieste, one of the largest northern Adriatic ports. With the presence of fishing vessels and small recreational boats on route towards Koper, combined with the specific properties of this maritime area, manoeuvring merchant ships upon arrival is a complex process which requires complete and high qualifications, readiness and alertness of all participants. However, maritime accidents are still happening. Fortunately, in the Slovenian sea we have witnessed only two groundings that had no major consequences. Nevertheless, the increasing number of near misses, of which a selection is described in chapter two, is a cause of concern. The potential for accidents, the risks and consequences have been analysed within a specific study performed at the request of the Slovenian Maritime Administration, the conclusions of which are summarized in this thesis. These conclusions, together with the analyses of the described accidents and near misses, survey results, and statistical results regarding pilotage provided the main sources for the preparation of proposals for improving the nautical safety of navigation during the ship’s approach to and arrival at the pilot station area and the access channels to the Koper cargo port basins.
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