John C Maxwell once, wisely pointed out that “A wise person learns from his mistakes. A wiser one learns from others’ mistakes. But the wisest person of all learns from other’s successes”. What John Maxwell stated over a decade ago is closely linked to the concept of ‘resilience’, which if embraced, can undoubtedly result in self-improvement, argues Capt. Charis Kanellopoulos, Safety, Quality & Vetting Manager / DPA, Sun Enterprises Ltd.
In simple terms, most people would probably agree that resilience is the ability of a person or organization to remain focused on their main goals and prove sustainable when things get really challenging.
The importance of Resilience
Why is resilience so crucial in our lives?
The answer might seem simple: resilience enables us to navigate through challenging situations, setbacks, and difficulties. It galvanizes our inner ability to overcome tough challenges without being negatively impacted. Essentially, it empowers us to remain positive and strong in the face of adversity. However, resilience goes beyond merely surviving; it is also about personal growth and becoming healthier, even during tough times.
Justifying emphasis on Resilience
The following is an analysis attempt to justify the reason for which significant emphasis is paid on resilience. One reason is that our understanding of maritime incidents has grown significantly over the past twenty years. When a crisis occurs, many of us wonder how we would react and work to restore normalcy. It is not only interesting to examine how organizations have successfully overcomed serious incidents, but also how they have demonstrated remarkable resilience in doing so.
The Bow Mariner case demonstrates resilience because it shows how people, companies, and the entire maritime industry can effectively deal with a major disaster, learn from it, and make important changes to avoid similar incidents in the future. Even though there was a tragic explosion and fire, this case teaches us valuable lessons that can help improve safety measures and how we handle crises, all while emphasizing the importance of human life onboard and environmental responsibility.
It’s worthwhile noting that in the released USCG incident investigation it is stated that: “Company’s officials have defended the Master’s actions and the crew’s reaction after the explosion, citing emotional trauma triggered by the explosions, fire and immediate list. However, such trauma is expected and is precisely the reason that crews must be thoroughly trained and frequently drilled – so that they will react instinctively in an emergency just as they have been trained”.
It’s clear that training plays a big role in boosting resilience. This training is essential because it gets the crew ready for emergencies and helps them stay calm when things get tough. When everyone knows their roles and what to do, it lowers stress during a crisis.
Think of it like having a practiced plan; it can make a huge difference in life-or-death situations at sea. Training helps build resilience by giving the crew the confidence and skills they need to effectively handle emergencies, ultimately keeping everyone safer.
Resilience and a ship’s safety culture are closely connected. Resilience in the crew means they can handle unexpected situations, making everything safer. A strong safety culture encourages proactive actions, clear communication, and doing things correctly. All of these helps the crew become more resilient. When safety is a top priority and a part of how the crew operates, they’re better prepared for emergencies, can reduce risks, and ensure everyone stays safe.
This makes the whole ship better at recovering from tough situations at sea. Additionally, the rapidly changing maritime industry, with new rules and requirements emerging quickly, makes resilience even more important.
Innate vs. Learned Resilience
A key question for seafarers is whether resilience is something we are born with or if it develops through our experiences at sea. Some crew members may have resilience as a natural trait, allowing them to handle tough situations effectively.
However, others might struggle during challenging times, such as dealing with loss, separation from loved ones, or challenging situations on board, making it hard to regain their confidence and peace of mind. In emergencies, some crew members choose to stay and fight, while others may choose to flee. Understanding how resilience works can help us support one another in building this vital quality.
Seeking feedback from fellow crew members can also provide valuable insights into how others perceive them, enhancing their ability to work effectively as a team. Surrounding ourselves with shipmates who challenge us while recognizing our strengths can significantly benefit our journey toward building resilience in the demanding environment of the sea.
Strategies to Enhance Resilience
Building resilience is vital for navigating the challenges of life at sea. Focusing on your health and spending more time on meaningful activities can help you become more resilient. It’s also possible to learn how to make the most out of your current situation instead of always wishing for a different one.
Here are a few suggestions to enhance resilience:
#1 First, assess your current level of resilience. A simple self-assessment can provide insight into your mindset and help you understand why certain relationships or environments work better for you. Consider factors like your dependence on others, how significant life events have impacted you, your perception of control over your future, confidence in your abilities, adaptability to change, and your ability to maintain a positive outlook. Gaining a clearer understanding of these areas can guide you in making positive behavioural changes.
#2 Another way to improve resilience is by learning from failures. Reflect on past mistakes to understand what went wrong and be honest with yourself about how you can do better next time. Writing down your thoughts on what you would change in similar situations can be helpful. Focus on what you can control and take actionable steps to move forward. Additionally, discuss maritime incidents shared by your company with your crew, as these conversations can provide valuable lessons.
#3 Learn from past recoveries. As Henry Ford said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” When challenges arise, we have the chance to grow and gain new perspectives. Reflect on your past experiences to recognize that you’ve successfully navigated difficulties before. Instead of panicking, focus on what is functioning well and be aware of emergency procedures. In emergencies, quick assessments of what is still operational can make all the difference.
#4 Encourage self-confidence. Believing in your abilities is crucial for resilience. Rather than fixating on the effort required for challenging tasks, identify what stops you from taking that first step forward. Remember, taking one small step is often enough, and it’s okay to take a step back if needed.
#5 Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Acknowledging that no one has all the answers is important. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it can strengthen relationships and foster a culture of continuous learning. Approach your requests for help with honesty and a lack of self-criticism, as this builds trust among your crew.
#6 Try to let go of excessive anxiety. While it’s natural to be anxious, especially about personal matters or onboard performance, it’s important to recognize that anxiety often leads to fear. Instead of being anxious, focus on problem-solving by setting aside emotional reactions to tackle challenges effectively.
#7 Embrace gratitude. Gratitude, like resilience, can be developed. It helps you manage difficulties and strengthen relationships onboard. Expressing appreciation for your colleagues’ efforts not only boosts morale but also fosters a supportive environment. Remember that resilience is built alongside others, and recognizing the contributions of those around you is key.
#8 Change your perception of stress. While stress is often viewed negatively, some people harness it as a source of positive energy. Stress is about how we perceive and respond to challenges. Reflect on stressful situations to uncover opportunities for growth and understanding. Humor triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This helps to reduce stress levels and allows you to see situations from a different angle. It can transform a stressful scenario into something more manageable, making it easier to approach challenges with a positive mindset.
#9 Finally, maintain a positive outlook. Positive emotions not only bring joy but also broaden your perspective, helping you engage more fully with your surroundings. While not everyone is naturally optimistic, it’s a mindset that can be learned. Recall moments of achievement and appreciate experiences that generated positive feelings, as these memories can inspire hope and resilience in the face of challenges.
Conclusion
Developing resilience is a challenging task for crew members, much like any significant personal growth endeavor. It requires dedicated commitment and support from both the shore side and the crew onboard to achieve long-term objectives, especially in the demanding environment of the sea.
Building resilience involves persistent effort, which means making changes to your current habits and deliberately adopting new ways of thinking and behaving.
By embracing this journey, you can strengthen your ability to navigate the challenges that come your way, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being and safety on board. With a supportive network and a proactive mindset, you can cultivate resilience and thrive in the maritime environment.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
