The 'human element'

The term ‘human element’ covers anything to do with the interaction between a human and any system aboard ship, and is of high importance in maritime safety and security.

Factors which affect the human element include:

  • recruitment and selection policies and methods
  • crew competence, training and experience
  • conditions of service, motivation and morale
  • design, construction and ergonomics
  • standards of build and certification
  • maintenance
  • stress and fatigue
  • security
  • living and working conditions
  • manning levels and hours of work
  • management policies
  • safety management systems
  • operational systems
  • organisational and safety culture
  • culture of continuous improvement and workforce engagement

For more information read ‘The human element: a guide to human behaviour in the shipping industry’.