What is one of the key risks associated with transporting hazardous materials on tankers?

Transporting hazardous materials on tankers inherently carries the risk of potential leaks and spills. This is a pivotal concern because hazardous materials can have severe environmental and health consequences when released into the marine environment. Tankers are designed to contain and transport these materials, but if there is a failure—whether due to structural issues, human error, or unforeseen circumstances—there could be catastrophic outcomes. The repercussions can include pollution of the marine ecosystem, harm to wildlife, and even threats to human health depending on the nature of the hazardous material.

The other options do not present significant risks when transporting hazardous materials. Weather conditions that favor smooth sailing do not directly imply risk but rather depict an ideal scenario for safe navigation. Advanced navigational techniques are tools that can assist in safe operations and mitigate risks rather than contribute to them. Lastly, minimal crew involvement in operations may imply that automation is being utilized; while this creates some management challenges, it does not inherently increase the risks associated with hazardous materials transport compared to the risk of leaks and spills.