The effects of safety delivery and safety awareness on passenger behaviour in the ferry context

Abstract

This research empirically examines ferry passengers’ perception of safety delivery and awareness on their preventative behaviours. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted on survey data collected from 422 ferry passengers in Hong Kong. An exploratory factor analysis identified two main dimensions of safety delivery, namely: safety facilities and safety demonstration. Safety awareness was further clustered into three dimensions, which included safety information, vessel condition and rescue equipment. Results indicated that safety delivery and safety awareness positively influence passengers’ preventative behaviour, as well as safety delivery positively influences passengers’ safety awareness. This study highlighted the importance of passengers’ perception of safety awareness and safety delivery in ferry safety. Implications of study findings on safety in ferry operations enhancements and suggestions for safety delivery development are discussed.