Level of Awareness and Practices about Preventing Oil Spills as Maritime Environmental Risk

The maritime industry plays a vital role in global trade but faces persistent challenges related to oil spill incidents, which pose significant environmental and economic risks, This research investigates the complex dynamics between human factors and oil spills, aiming to identify key contributors to these incidents and propose solutions aligned with Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) to mitigate their occurrence and impact. Employing a descriptive quantitative research design, the study focuses on characterizing the awareness of College of Maritime Education (CME) students regarding oil spill prevention practices. A self-designed survey questionnaire is utilized to gather demographic information and perceptions of CME students on various facets of oil spill prevention. The survey data are analyzed to systematically explore relationships between key variables. Findings from the survey reveal insights into the demographic profiles of CME students and their perceptions regarding oil spill prevention practices. Specifically, the study explores respondents' perceptions of emergency response procedures, the importance of equipment utilization, economic costs associated with oil spills, impacts on biodiversity, and the dissemination of best practices for spill prevention. The study bridges the gap between human factors contributing to oil spills and effective preventive measures, advocating for enhanced training, innovative technologies, and improved safety protocols within the maritime industry. By providing valuable insights into the awareness and attitudes of CME , the research highlights the urgency of robust strategies , policies, and protocols to safeguard marine ecosystems and promote sustainable coexistence with the environment. Surveying CME students offer valuable insights into demographic profiles, emergency response perceptions, equipment utilization, economic costs, biodiversity impacts, and best practices dissemination for oil spill prevention. These findings are crucial for enhancing industry safety and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to prevent and manage oil spill incidents within the maritime domain.