The Alert! project By The Nautical Institute is the winner of the SAFETY4SEA Initiative Award for this year. Capt. Nikos Aslanis, Chairman of The Nautical Institute Hellenic Branch, Alert! talks about the successful project, which has changed for the better industry’s perception on the human element by addressing key issues and enhancing awareness.
The Alert! Project by The Nautical Institute received the SAFETY4SEA Initiative Award for providing valuable best practices on fatigue, health, ergonomics & training to improve awareness of the human element in the maritime industry. The 2017 SAFETY4SEA Awards were presented at a prestigious awards ceremony which took place on Tuesday 3rd at the Yacht Club of Greece, one night before the SAFETY4SEA Conference.
SAFETy4SEA: The Alert! Project by The Nautical Institute received the SAFETY4SEA Initiative Award . What does this milestone mean to your organization?
Nikos Aslanis: The Alert!bulletins have been produced with contributions from many maritime professionals from all sectors of the industry; and this award confirms that their efforts still remain of value to so many.
S4S: How does the human element influence industry’s landscape? How has the project addressed successfullythe key areas of attention?
N.A.: The project was aimed at influencing the ‘operational decision makers’ such as the Naval Architect, Regulators, Masters, Surveyors, Educators etc… who can change a design or procedure as they better understand the Human Element. It is our pleasure to know that this continues to happen, based on information in the bulletins and videos. We hear stories of how operational issues have been changed to better reflect the Human Element.
S4S: Regarding human element, which is the major contributor factor affecting crew’s performance onboard? Have you noticed any worrying trend during the last years? What are your suggestions?
N.A.: Ships need to be ‘fit for purpose’ rather than force mariners to adapt to operate equipment and systems that have not taken account of the Human Element. We have come a long way but more needs to be done. In terms of a ‘worrying trend’, fatigue is probably the main issue that needs to be addressed.
S4S: What could be the final conclusion of the project regarding safety culture? Has the industry been successful in implementing safety culture?
N.A.: When looking back a decade or two it is clear that a safety culture has clearly been adopted by the shipping industry, however complacency is the enemy and we need to continually explore new ways to improve safety.
S4S: Regarding maritime safety, which could be the best practices or other form of meaningful feedback that you would like to share with the industry to move forward?
N.A.: Ships are operated by humans and therefore every aspect of their operation needs to take account of the Human Element. Over the last 12 years Alert! has documented how to do this in a practical way from design, maintenance, communication, wellbeing, IT systems, education etc… Every issue has brilliant tips for continuous improvement. The Alert series is now an open resource for the entire industry to ensure that ships are fit for purpose, safe and commercially effective.
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
