Ocean Technologies helps seafarers minimise distractions
(Posted on 26/07/21)
Distractions are recognised as one of the biggest causes of human error resulting in incidents, accidents or near misses at sea
Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) has created a new title giving seafarers advice on how to avoid the multitude of potential distractions which can lead to a loss of concentration and situational awareness.
The increased use of electronic devices onboard either personal or work related, a lack of procedures, seafarer stress and equipment alarm fatigue, are just some of the multiple factors that can contribute to crew not paying adequate attention to operational tasks.
In fact, the problem is so widespread that 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 (part 3) MGN 638 (M + F), 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.”
It is against this backdrop that Ocean Technologies Group has developed its eLearning title to help seafarers understand exactly what distraction is, recognize 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 Distraction title Raal Harris, Group Creative Director, said, “It’s long been accepted that we all have a finite ability to concentrate on our surroundings and that multi-tasking can impair our situational awareness, reaction times and perception of risk. Digitisation brings many benefits, but it also gives our seafarers more and more channels of information to process. We also have our crews operating with an increased amount of personal stress and fatigue due to the ongoing pandemic. So, 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.”
Latest News
Shipping takes major sustainable plastic step with toolkit from MACS
(Posted on 16/07/26)The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has published a series of practical guides to enable... Read more
Shanghai climbs to second as Singapore retains top spot
(Posted on 16/07/26)Shanghai has officially become the world’s second-most prominent shipping hub, according to the... Read more
OceanScore sees growing port adoption of PortView
(Posted on 16/07/26)OceanScore, the maritime data and sustainability company helping shipping and ports turn regulatory... Read more
INTERCARGO highlights progress and priorities in bulk carrier safety
(Posted on 07/07/26)Bulk carrier safety continues to show steady long-term improvement, but the nature of risk facing seafarers... Read more
Norden raises full-year guidance following strong performance in dry cargo
(Posted on 07/07/26)Following stronger than expected operational performance in dry cargo, reduced costs associated with... Read more
Algoma announces refinancing of long-term debt
(Posted on 03/07/26)Algoma Central Corporation, a leading provider of marine transportation services, has announced that... Read more
Global maritime under threat from Fortibleed incident, warns Cydome
(Posted on 03/07/26)Major maritime, ports and energy companies have been identified by Cydome’s threat-intelligence... Read more
Crewing specialist expands global recruitment network with Indonesian seafarers
(Posted on 30/06/26)As the global shipping industry faces mounting concerns over future crew availability, Danica Crewing... Read more
IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz following attack
(Posted on 29/06/26)Following an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman, IMO has decided to temporarily pause its evacuation... Read more
Human cost of keeping world trade moving highlighted on Day of the Seafarer
(Posted on 25/06/26)Leading health and wellness platform OneCare Group is calling on shipping leaders to recognise the immense... Read more
