Social wellbeing at sea: Understanding the subtle human factors behind safe operations and claims

Within the P&I claims environment, we routinely assess incidents that show how closely human factors influence maritime incidents, notes Joanna Koukouli, Co-Global Claims Director – SVP/ Managing Director, The American Club. 

Although technical issues often receive the most attention, many underlying circumstances relate to the social and interpersonal realities of life at sea. Observations gathered from years of reviewing incidents worldwide work towards understanding these dynamics and supporting a broader industry effort toward safer and more resilient operations.

Seafaring requires a unique blend of skill, endurance, and emotional adaptability. Crews live and work in close quarters, often for extended periods, while navigating multicultural communication and long separation from home. From a claims’ perspective, these social dimensions rarely attract attention. However, although they may not be the direct cause of an incident, yet they shape the environment in which decisions are made and tasks are performed.

Four main areas, web connectivity, communication, teamwork and interpersonal conduct, may emerge during claims analyses of the human element. Each influences how effectively seafarers cope with operational pressures and how safely a vessel functions. 

Internet access: A stabilizing influence in daily life

Internet access has become an important stabilizing factor for crews. While connectivity varies depending on operational capabilities, vessel type, and trade, even modest access helps seafarers maintain contact with their families and manage personal responsibilities ashore.

Emotional tension related to isolation, uncertainty at home or difficulty staying connected may be a subtle contributing factor to an incident. Such stress may not directly cause such incident, but it can influence focus, judgment and general wellbeing, particularly on long voyages. Connectivity, therefore, can play a supportive role in helping crews remain stable and focused.

Communication: A common denominator

Communication issues are amongst the most frequently observed patterns in claims investigations. Modern ships bring together crew members from diverse cultures, with varying levels of English proficiency and differing expectations around hierarchy and decision-making. Under these conditions, misunderstandings can occur naturally.

In many incidents, whether involving navigation, maintenance, cargo operations, or personal injury, there may be a moment where instructions were not fully understood, a question went unasked, or assumptions replaced clarification. Such situations reflect the complexity of communication in a demanding, multicultural work environment.

Encouraging constructive dialogue, confirming understanding, and fostering an atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable raising questions helps strengthen procedural clarity. When communication flows effectively, potential issues are more likely to be addressed in good time, before they escalate.

Teamwork: A quiet but significant safety influence

Teamwork is another factor that rarely appears as a primary consideration in claims, yet it shapes the conditions under which many incidents unfold. Tight-knit crews tend to anticipate one another’s reactions and needs, therefore are more likely to identify developing risks sooner and respond more effectively in both routine and high-pressure situations.

In contrast, when teamwork is strained – whether due to extended time at sea, personality differences or cultural misunderstandings – communication may become less flowing. Minor challenges may go unaddressed and individuals may hesitate before voicing concerns. In several cases we have reviewed, a stronger team dynamic might have altered the course of events by prompting better coordination and mitigation.

Teamwork evolves continuously onboard during a service period. It is a dynamic process fostered by supportive leadership, balanced workload distribution and respectful daily interactions.

Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination: The infamous BHD

Although bullying, harassment, and discrimination are identified less frequently in practice, their impact can be significant.

Claims involving emotional distress, reduced concentration or hesitation to report unsafe conditions often arise in environments where interpersonal challenges were prevailing. 

The shipboard setting magnifies the effects of negative behavior because individuals cannot easily distance themselves from conflict. Prolonged exposure to such circumstances can affect mental wellbeing, focus and the willingness to participate openly in safety discussions.

Industry-wide, there is ongoing recognition of the importance of fostering supportive, respectful working environments. The American Club’s Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) Awareness initiative is a pioneering program aiming to both raise awareness of SASH and to provide tools and resources, including a series of animations, to assist with prevention, while promoting the wellbeing of crew members and safety onboard.

Social wellbeing and claims trends

Certain patterns may emerge, when analyzing claims trends involving human factors. Ships where communication is poor, teamwork is dysfunctional and social interactions are challenged, tend to experience more incidents. If investigated in depth, such denominators may be more common than expected. On the other hand, teams that are built on collegiality, respect and inclusiveness, are more likely to profit from flow of information and openness by identifying and managing crew members’ pressures promptly and effectively.

Seafarers operate in environments that require both technical precision and emotional perseverance. Their social wellbeing shapes communication, teamwork, and decision-making, elements that influence situational awareness, sound judgment and proactiveness. When crews feel supported and connected, the operational environment becomes consistent and mutuality is promoted.

By giving consideration to the social realities of life at sea, we may gain a clearer understanding of the deeper whys, which fall outside the traditional technical and legal analysis of causation. Crews move global maritime trade, so the social wellbeing of the individuals that form these dynamic teams, should support safer operations and, hopefully, help reduce maritime claims attributed to human factors.

source : safety4sea