Posted: February 9th, 2023

A Critical Assessment of Human Element Regarding Maritime Safety

A Critical Assessment of Human Element Regarding Maritime Safety: Issues of Planning, Policy and Practice.
Maritime safety is a critical concern for the shipping industry, which is responsible for transporting over 80% of global trade by volume. Human element plays a significant role in maritime safety, and its importance in the industry continues to grow. This is due to the increasing complexity of maritime operations and the challenges posed by new technologies and regulations. As a result, it is essential to assess the human element in maritime safety, including the issues of planning, policy, and practice.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the main body responsible for setting and enforcing international maritime safety standards. The organization recognizes the importance of human element in maritime safety and has implemented several measures to address it, including the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code). The ISM Code sets standards for the safe management of ships and for protecting the environment. It requires shipping companies to establish safety policies and procedures, and to train their crew in accordance with these policies.
In order to assess the human element in maritime safety, a structured questionnaire was conducted to gather data from a sample of maritime industry stakeholders. The questionnaire focused on various aspects of human behavior and performance, including crew training, acceptance of safety policies, and the role of leadership in promoting safe behavior. The results of the questionnaire provide valuable insights into the current practices of human factor in the industry and the challenges faced by shipping companies in implementing the ISM Code.
The findings of the questionnaire highlight the importance of crew training in promoting safe behavior and performance. Effective crew training is essential for ensuring that crew members are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their duties safely. Moreover, crew training also promotes a culture of safety, as crew members become more aware of the risks associated with their work and the importance of following established safety procedures.
An Important aspect of human element in maritime safety is the acceptance of safety policies by crew members. The results of the questionnaire showed that crew members who are knowledgeable about the ISM Code and who understand its importance are more likely to comply with its provisions. In addition, crew members who have a positive attitude towards safety are more likely to follow established safety procedures and to report incidents and near-misses, which can help to prevent future accidents.
The role of leadership in promoting safe behavior is also a critical aspect of human element in maritime safety. Leaders in the maritime industry have a responsibility to promote a culture of safety, and to set an example for their crew members by demonstrating safe behavior themselves. Effective leadership is essential for ensuring that crew members are motivated to follow established safety procedures, and for creating a positive working environment in which safety is a priority.
Human element is a critical component of maritime safety, and it is essential that shipping companies understand the importance of planning, policy, and practice in addressing this issue. The results of the questionnaire provide valuable insights into the current practices of human factor in the industry, and highlight the importance of crew training, acceptance of safety policies, and effective leadership in promoting safe behavior and performance. The findings of this study underscore the need for shipping companies to invest in their personnel and to prioritize the human element in their safety strategies.

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