What is the leading cause of minor oil spills?

Human error is recognized as the leading cause of minor oil spills, primarily due to the various risks and mistakes that can occur during operations involving oil handling and transportation. These errors can stem from insufficient training, lack of attention to detail, or failure to follow proper protocols, which can result in oil spills during activities such as refueling, loading and unloading vessels, or routine maintenance.

Choosing human error highlights the importance of training and adherence to safety procedures in order to minimize the risks associated with oil spills. While equipment failure, natural disasters, and improper loading can also contribute to spills, they are less frequent causes compared to the various forms of human oversight and negligence that commonly lead to minor spills. Addressing human error through better training and systems can significantly reduce the occurrence of oil spills, underscoring the critical need for vigilant operational practices in the maritime industry.