ABSTRACT: Risk of an accident is an ever-present component in the maritime transportation process, especially in congested waters such as port areas. Since safety is of crucial importance in the maritime industry, different models of risk assessments were developed to ensure minimal navigational danger. The aim of this paper is the development of modular, dynamic sets of parameters, applicable for future risk assessment models on port approaches by introducing top-down expert appraisal structure methodology organised in three steps. Firstly, approaches and criteria from relevant international recommendations and scientific studies on maritime risk assessment models were analysed and compared, in order to obtain general categories of navigational safety parameters. Secondly, existing risk assessment parameters were structured and combined into new dynamic sets. In the third step, these dynamic sets of parameters were selected, and numerical values were assigned to them according to the specific context of the port. Finally, this top-down methodology aims to provide relevant dynamic sets of criteria for navigational safety risk assessment development that are flexible and widely applicable for the needs and characteristics of different ports.

KEYWORDS: Risk Assessment, Navigational Safety, Risk Assessment Model, Navigational Safety Risk Assessment, Port Approaches, Navigational Safety Parameters, Risk Assessment Parameters, Top-Down Methodology

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