Maritime accidents teach us some crucial lessons: we must address human factors to bolster sea safety. If crew training takes priority alongside communication protocols, decision-making processes and fatigue management, we can substantially decrease accident likelihood while fostering a robust culture of safety. To guarantee a comprehensive approach to maritime safety, regulatory bodies; industry stakeholders; and training institutions need to collaborate in implementing these recommended measures.

1. Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned.
Name: Chinazor Henry, Mmeje
Matric No: 5311721
Course: ISSC
Academic Session: WS2023/2024
Date: 15.01.2024

2. 15.01.2024
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24 2
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Crew Training
3. Communication Protocols
4. Decision-Making Processes
5. Crew Fatigue Management
6. General recommendations/Conclusion
7. References
Plus recommendations

3. 15.01.2024 3
1. Introducing Key Human Causative Factors of Maritime Accidents
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24
CREW TRAINING
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
DECISION MAKING PROCESSES
CREW FATIGUE MANAGEMENT
Images source: https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-safety/ accessed: 31.12.2023.

4. 15.01.2024 4
2. CREW TRAINING
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24
 Inadequacy of crew training
1. Incompetence to safety and efficiency
2. Poor emergency handling
3. Navigation systems management illiteracy
4. Poor equipment operations
Recommendations: Regular and realistic training exercises, simulator-based scenarios,
and continuous education are recommended to ensure crews stay updated on evolving
technics and technologies.

5. 15.01.2024 5
3. Communication Protocols
 ​Ineffective communications
1. Creates misunderstandings
2. Room for postpones responses
3. Leads to time lost
Recommendations: standardized communication protocols, a clear chain of command,
language proficiency requirements, regular drills and exercises that specifically focus
on honing communication skills.
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24

6. 15.01.2024 6
4. Decision-Making Processes
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24
 Human decision making errors: (Flawed decisions)
1. Intense human pressure
2. Over strictness – inflexibility.
3. Carelessness to situational awareness
4. Insufficient risk assessments
Recommendations: by implementing an strong framework for making these critical choices, fostering
safety, reporting on near misses, utilizing technology for real-time data analysis etc. are potent tools that
will enhance this process.

7. 15.01.2024 7
 Maritime safety persistently faces the threat of fatigue due to:
1. Long duty hours
2. Irregular schedules
3. Monotonous tasks (tedious, uninteresting, boring tasks)
Recommendations: adequate rest periods, well-designed duty schedules, sleep
hygiene awareness programs, open communication regarding fatigue concerns are
essential in combating this issue.
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24
5. Crew Fatigue Management

8. 15.01.2024 8
 maritime accidents teach us some crucial lessons, we must keep addressing
human factors to bolster sea safety.
 If crew training takes priority, alongside communication protocols, decision-
making processes and fatigue management; we can substantially decrease
accident likelihood while fostering a robust culture of safety.
 To guarantee a comprehensive approach to maritime safety, regulatory bodies;
industry stakeholders; and training institutions need to collaborate in
implementing these recommended measures.
6. General Recommendations/Conclusion
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24

9. 15.01.2024
Human Factors in Maritime Accidents; Lessons Learned ©HSB c.hmmeje WS23/24 9
1. Helmreich, R. L., Merritt, A. C., & Wilhelm, J. A. (1999). The evolution of crew resource
management training in commercial aviation. International Journal of Aviation
Psychology, 9(1), 19-32.
2. International Chamber of Shipping. (2019). Bridge Procedures Guide, 5th Edition.
3. International Maritime Organization. (2017). International Safety Management (ISM)
Code.
4. CHIRP-Making-critical-decisions-at-sea-2019_09.pdf. weblink:
https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CHIRP-Making-critical-decisions-
at-sea-2019_09.pdf. Accessed 31.12.2023.
5. https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-safety/ accessed: 31.12.2023
6. Highest Oil spillage and maritime accident in human history.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepwater_Horizon Accessed 13.01.2024.
7. References/Sources