Essential skills for addressing human element issues in a shipping company
Great technological developments knowledge, communication, participation must have sufficient knowledge to have transformed the societal topography onboard, just as in other industries. Many tasks previously perform- ed by hand can now be executed faster, cheaper and more accurately using machines, enabling crew reductions as a way to minimize operation costs.
Yet, the human element is an indispensable part in any work system. We are matchless when it comes to adaptability and flexibility, but we are also vulnerable to factors in our work environment that can impair our work performance if not managed properly.
In a recent study, Swedish shipowners were asked to identify the human element issues they considered most important to address in order to increase safety, productivity and well-being at sea. The answers could be categorized into six dimensions: leadership, culture, knowledge, commnication, participation and human resources; all of which influence and guide company activities and direct how decisions are made.
When limited financial margins restrict the ability to invest in new equipment and ergonomic intervention projects, a shipowner thus has power and possibility to improve the working conditions in respects less dependent on hardware. The challenge of attracting, recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, not only to the vessels, but to the industry as a whole, was claimed by the interviewed owners to be of utmost importance. To meet this challenge it is necessary to work proactively with a leadership that communicates attainable demands, and adequate control and support.
The shore-based part of the organization must have sufficient knowledge to correctly assess the working situation onboard when implementing systems, equipment and work procedures; or as one respondent put it: “Realise that there are two ends on a piece of string – if you pull in one end, something will happen in the other end as well.”
A shipowner skilled in managing these human element issues is believed to be rewarded with fewer occurrences of maritime accidents, lost time injuries and equipment downtime. A motivated, skilled crew is thought to do a better job operating and maintaining the vessel, and if an accident or breakdown happens, be better prepared for mitigation; thus limiting costs and time off-hire. And, a stimulating work environment can definitely be a competitive element.