Avoiding onboard distractions
Seafarers can now benefit from new advice on how to avoid potential distractions which can lead to a loss of concentration and situational awareness.
Ocean Technologies Group’s (OTG) ‘Distractions’ e-learning module has been developed to help seafarers understand exactly what distraction is, recognise the link between distraction and a reduction in situational awareness, identify the common sources of distraction and learn how it can be effectively managed.
Speaking about OTG’s new module, Raal Harris, group creative director, said that “it is more important than ever that we are able to equip mariners to recognise the impact distraction can have on their situational awareness and performance. And, of course, some tips they can use to mitigate it”.
Major cause of human error
Distractions are recognised as one of the biggest causes of human error, resulting in incidents, accidents or near misses at sea
The increased use of electronic devices onboard, either personal or work related, a lack of procedures, seafarer stress and equipment alarm fatigue, are amongst the factors that can contribute to crew not paying adequate attention to operational tasks.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has included “Distraction” as number one in its tally of the “10 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements 2019-2020”.
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has also published, in its human element guidance, a notice to all ship owners, managers and masters warning them about the fatal dangers of seafarers using mobile phones and other personal devices when working.
The guidance indicates that “someone using a mobile devices may miss up to 50% of other information that is in plain sight and might be critical”.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
