Factoring in the human element in the design of ships
In factoring in the human element in the design of ships, a designer must understand how those responsible for managing the cargo systems and operating the vessel at sea go about their business, in what conditions and over what period of time.
The human element is known to cause in excess of 80% of ship casualties and this often is a result of complacency and reliance on electronic systems. Injuries to personnel are often caused by awkwardly placed, poorly designed and difficult to maintain equipment where the ergonomics of the as-built layout failed to consider how the equipment might be operated.
Once there is an understanding of cargo handling, then the designer will incorporate features into the system that ensures safe operation on a repeated basis such as to provide a working environment that prevents injury to the operator and those around him. Simplicity of operation and ease of maintenance is the key: if it is not easy to operate, the human element may introduce unsafe shortcuts where an unapproved modification might be made, and, if maintenance is difficult because of access for example, and it may not be carried out, then equipment may fail from fatigue or lack of lubrication, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The operation of the vessel at sea needs sufficient equipment to permit the safe conduct of the vessel from port to port, and for it to be simple to operate. A vessel operates in all weathers and in all marine environments, such as entering or leaving port, navigating in confined waters and in the open sea, sometimes in very limited visibility and sometimes in a very dynamic working environment.
Navigational equipment must provide sufficient information that is simple to understand and assimilate so that the watch officer can make appropriate decisions that keep the vessel out of danger and on course without struggling to interpret different formats and systems. In order to achieve this, a designer should listen to watch officers, or spend time in the wheelhouse of a ship to understand the needs of a deck officer in the wheelhouse who is required to navigate the vessel, and avoid collision with others, and remain alert for the long hours of his duty period.