The Human Element Team at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency works closely with the UK Ship Register and our customers. Together we focus on improving Seafarer Safety through the application of behavioural science. The team takes a holistic approach to improving safety, which means that examining every part of the system that impacts Seafarer safety (e.g. the organisation, the job, the environment and individual behaviour) to guide positive changes at every level of the maritime industry.
You can contact our Human Element Team via email
The human element is implicated as a causal factor in up to 90% of all maritime incidents. Human Element (known as human factors in other industries) is the study of human error and performance influencing factors with the aim of improving performance and reducing errors in safety critical industries like the maritime industry.
The human element is implicated as a causal factor in up to 90% of all maritime incidents. Human Element (known as human factors in other industries) is the study of human error and performance influencing factors with the aim of improving performance and reducing errors in safety critical industries like the maritime industry.
Work of the Human Element Team
Seafarer Wellbeing Guidance
Guidance on the long-term wellbeing and human performance impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and crew change guidance.
HE causes in Maritime Incidents
Analysis of published MAIB (time range 2010- 2020+) reports to draw out the major HE causes in maritime accidents. This supports evidence based policy-making.
Human Element, Leadership and Management Training (HELM) review
HELM is a mandatory course for Masters and Officers aimed at building the skills and competencies to manage and lead crew on board. In 2018, the MCA supported a review of the HELM. Following the review, the team are supporting STCW with revision of HELM to improve the limitations identified in the Babcock review.
Human Element Strategy Group (HESG) and Human Element Advisory Group (HEAG)
HESG is a small maritime industry stakeholder group that sets HE priorities for the MCA and HEAG. HEAG is an industry-wide working group established to undertake and collaborate on projects based on the priorities established by HESG. priority for the next meeting is just culture in the maritime industry.
Maritime Safety Climate Tool (SCT)
Collaboration with HSE and maritime companies to develop a maritime specific tool to enable companies to assess how their employees perceive safety culture.
Seafarer statistics
Collating data to strengthen the evidence base on seafarer personal injury, mortality and human factors statistics.
Human Element in maritime publications
- A Standard for Seafarers' Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Training
- Wellbeing at sea: A pocket guide for seafarers
- Wellbeing at sea: A guide for organisations
- Being Human in Safety-Critical Organisations
- Behaving Safely
- IMO Guidelines on Fatigue
- Maritime Safety Climate tool