Shipboard operating and maintenance procedures and the knowledge gap

This paper advocates the use of shipboard procedures as a strategy for bridging the knowledge gap. It also recognises that an over-reliance reflects a failure to equip seafarers with the appropriate prior knowledge. Maritime accident reports frequently cite poor procedures as contributing factors towards maritime accidents. This may suggest a nexus among technical systems, seafarer competence, shipboard procedures and accidents at sea. It is suggested in this paper that a holistic approach is needed to ensure that the approval of technical systems, seafarer training and written procedures are inextricably linked. Shipboard written procedures are described in terms of a negotiation of meaning between writer and seafarer, where successful execution of a shipboard task requires an accurate interpretation, by the seafarer, of the writer’s intentions. It is suggested that this may only be achieved by ensuring that seafarer prior knowledge is sufficient, writer’s anticipation of this knowledge is accurate and communication of new knowledge is explicit. This paper does not offer specific advice on the design of shipboard procedures; however, the process of acquiring a mental action plan is discussed. The factors that support or impede this acquisition are described and supported by a number of accident reports and academic studies.