Research
The human factor and maritime safety: 8 common Reasons Behind Marine Accidents
The maritime industry has witnessed major changes in the last few decades, with the advancement of technology and artificial intelligence. The shipping industry has always been a place of risk for the people engaged in it – seafarers have to be at the vast expanse of sea for hours, often braving adverse climates. It is also more difficult for the mariners to get emergency help, especially if they are stuck in the middle of the water. Research conducted by the Maritime Department, University of Dubrovnik, revealed that 80-85% of all maritime accidents are due to human error
Thus, the issue of human error is placed at the center of marine accidents. Even as technology might increase by leaps and bounds, in maritime work, human influence shall continue to be of extreme importance. Hence, the “human factor” and “maritime safety” are interrelated concepts that need to be looked at. The human factor can also be the relation between the machine and the human, which means the limits of human expertise also at times regarding the design of systems.
Looking into the human factor and maritime safety, this article has listed eight common reasons behind marine accidents, which are caused because of human negligence.
Mental Workload
Being out in the sea for no land in sight for days is bound to make one feel overwhelmed. The mental workload can be due to a variety of other reasons as well, but if one of the crew members is not emotionally well, it will inadvertently affect their work. The absent-mindedness or fatigue of the members might then result in an accident for certain.
Communication
The communication among the members of the crew should be clear, without any space for ambiguity. If the interaction is not clear and certain members are unable to follow the instructions, then it is bound to cause an irregularity in the functioning, which can end up in an accident.
Violating Safety Regulations
If the members of the crew disregard the rules, which have been laid out for the safety of the mariners and the vessel, then a marine accident is inevitable. Flouting the rules that are in place is harmful for the safety of the vessel and the people onboard.
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Decision-Making Error
The major decisions regarding the vessel or how to travel are made by the top administration on board the ship. If there is a mistake on their end or even a slight miscalculation on their part, it can result in an accident.
Human-Machine Interaction
As we are shifting our gears towards machine and automation more and more, one needs to ensure that the human beings operating it know the ins and outs of the system. Another reason for a marine accident is that the human or crew on the ship was not aware of how to operate the machines, thus the machines overpowered the human beings.
Teamwork
A marine vessel is operated because of a group of people who are working together, a proper division of labour, and specialized tasks assigned to each member. There should be coordination among the members of the crew so that the ship does not face any accidents. In cases where there is little to no coordination and poor teamwork, such as in marine vessels can face accidents.
Fatigue
The intense amount of workload with very few options for entertainment, while one is on a marine vessel, is bound to make the members feel fatigued. Marine vessels with small crew members often have to pull double shifts, and they are sleepless on nights together. The fatigue can often cause the members to make a mistake that might cause an accident.
Inability to Assess Situation
This could be either due to a lack of awareness on the part of the crew members or less training that the members are unable to assess an emergency situation, which inevitably leads to an accident.
Conclusion
As the “human factor” has become one of the major reasons for maritime accidents, the administration must ensure that steps are taken to promote the safety of the mariners. Whether it be by reducing the workload, having mental health sessions, or providing more training, the administration can avoid such mishaps.
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