The purpose of this research study was to identify the conditions for success of collision avoidance in the area of passenger transport. We selected a shipping company considered safe, one that has never been involved in a collision. Analyses focused on the activities of the bridge watchkeeping officers were carried out to identify the diachronic (i.e. anticipation) and synchronic mechanisms implemented in the context of managing the collision risk. We hypothesized that the conditions for success (i.e. controlling the collision risk) were based on diachronic and synchronic mechanisms that would be highly developed by bridge watchkeeping officers. The results validate this hypothesis and put the diachronic and synchronic mechanisms at the centre of collision risk management.