The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the accident and determined that the probable causes of the grounding were:
The failure of the third mate to properly maneuver the vessel, possibly due to fatigue and excessive workload;
The failure of the master to provide a proper navigation watch, possibly due to impairment from alcohol;
The failure of Exxon Shipping Company to supervise the master and provide a rested and sufficient crew for the Exxon Valdez;
The failure of the U.S. Coast Guard to provide an effective vessel traffic system
The lack of effective pilot and escort services.
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The US Federal Government provides vessel traffic systems in coastal areas of navigable waterways.
Thanks you made my point. If the State was so concerned about the environment, they would of used the resources at hand to make sure the system was up to snuff, even if they had to pay for it themselves.
I am sure if they invested the seed money the Feds would of came through with what it took, it's the old squeaky wheel gets the grease thing.
The people of Alaska partied with oil royalty money, and deserve scorn for their actions.