100 Years Since The Titanic And A Problem Persists - Forbes
100 Years Since The Titanic And A Problem Persists
One hundred years ago today Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast Ireland was putting the final touches on a ship that would hold the title of the world’s largest passenger liner but her glory would be brief. On 15 April of the following year, 1912, she would claim a more ominous title as the world’s most infamous ship. Her name was the RMS Titanic.
Scores of books have been written chronicling the disaster but few take the time to understand the men behind the tragedy. In a new book titled HOW TO SURVIVE THE TITANIC
The book is more than a gripping tale of survival, it’s also a window into the role ship managers and shipping executives play in the instigation of maritime tragedies. The consolidation of major shipping and energy companies in recent years have created mega-conglomerates like Transocean and BP, companies in which CEO’s are responsible for the management of increasing risks and operational complexity.
While modern technology and regulations have made sweeping changes to the operation and safety of ships since the Titanic, as told by Wilson, the fundamental cause of disaster is the human element. The character, motivations and personality of CEO’s play an important role in safety at sea. This problem, unfortunately, has not changed.
The fundamental element of human nature and corporate decision-making on ship safety is just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.
To help us understand the role of Ismay, the ship’s master Captain Smith and other executives responsible for the Titanic’s sinking, maritime expert Captain John Konrad sat down with Frances Wilson for an interview:
