Actually it was steam engine ship disasters that prompted the establishment of the NBIC, National Boiler Inspection Code. Back in the day boiler operation was considered a hazardous job, worse than coal mining. Standards in design, inspection, materials and techniques benefitted greatly. Surprisingly enough it was involvement from the insurance industry that drove it as they didn't want to payout, Hartford Steam Boiler and other later insurance companies evolved to drive regulation and improved standards of construction and safety.