Analysts at a specialized panel in London emphasized the importance of human factors and leadership culture in ensuring maritime security. This meeting discussed the challenges faced by seafarers and examined the effects of fatigue and stress on maritime security.
Maritime Risks and Seafarer Assessment
Lechia Pantelidi, a psychologist from OneCare, presented preliminary results from the group's ongoing survey, which examines how seafarers perceive risks on board. According to the findings of this survey, only 4.2% of respondents identified the first three months of a contract as the period with the highest level of risk. Meanwhile, 60% believed that the level of risk remains generally constant throughout the contract. Half of the respondents also identified night shifts as a period of high risk.
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The Impact of Leadership on Safety Culture
Dr. Jens Telsner, CEO and founder of Marine Medical Solutions, pointed to the impact of leadership on safety culture on ships. He stated that the safety culture on board depends on leadership from the captain and decision-makers onshore. Telsner also emphasized the need to recognize seafarers as key workers and the necessity of addressing reduced shore leave and insufficient rest hours. He added that leaders should engage in self-reflection and authenticity in leadership and create conditions where seafarers can express their concerns.
Pantelidi also noted that rigid hierarchies can lead to compliance through fear rather than psychological safety, which can result in underreporting near-miss incidents. She emphasized that fatigue should be measured in a way that reflects the working conditions of seafarers.
The discussion and dialogue in this panel revealed that sustainable improvements in maritime security require a deeper understanding of how individuals work and that a space must be created where seafarers can comfortably voice their opinions and concerns. Ultimately, leadership must take responsibility for the safety culture they create.
