The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its "Safer Seas 2014: Lessons Learned From Marine Accident Investigations" report. Safer Seas is a compilation of accident investigations that were published in 2014, organized by vessel type with links to the more detailed accident reports.

The 43-page report contains a summary and the probable causes for 23 major marine accidents and features lessons learned from each of the accidents in an easy-to-use summary document. It is illustrated with pictures of the dozens of vessels involved in accidents investigated by the NTSB last year.

Safer Seas 2014 focuses on issues including understanding vessel control systems, passenger safety during critical maneuvers, maintenance, and crew training.

It is available on the NTSB website at www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/SPC1501.pdf.

The types of vessels covered in the report run the gamut, from cargo, fishing, oceanographic research, offshore supply and passenger vessels to tall ships, tankers, towing vessels and yachts.

This is the second annual Safer Seas report. NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart said it’s meant to be a “one-stop shop” where people in the maritime industry can view concise summaries of a year’s worth of accidents investigations. Hart says he’s learned that the report is being used in crew training and safety meetings, both on board and shoreside.