Guidance to help leaders and senior officers in the maritime industry improve their leadership and people management skills, to ensure safety. It reflects current thinking on leadership in safety and the human element, focusing on the role of leaders in developing a safe culture.

In the guide, we’ll explore:

  • how leaders affect safety
  • how human factors affect safety
  • why leaders are important to maintain safety
  • how leaders can use human element principles to create a better culture of safety on board
  • Introduction

    Outlining the issues around maritime safety, who this guide is for and how to use it.

  • 1. Defining the human element

    How human behaviour can affect safety onboard.

  • 2. Decision making and risk management

    Looking into what can lead to people making mistakes and how to mitigate errors.

  • 3. Performance influencing factors

    Looking into how some factors that can influence the performance of people on board can lead to more accidents as well as how to mitigate or control these factors.

  • 4. Situational awareness

    How to be aware of what is going on around you, now and in the near future.

  • 5. Communication and teamwork

    How good communication and building a positive team environment are crucial to creating a safe workplace.

  • 6. Creating a culture of safety

    Looking at why accidents happen, what really causes them and what we can do to create a safety culture in an organisation.

  • 7. Conclusion

    A look back at what you have learnt in leading for safety and advice on how to put those learnings into action. Also guidance on what further reading you can do.