Human factor analysis of cockpit work incidents in high-speed workboats: the mystery hidden between the lines

Abstract

This study evaluated the human factor (HF) analysis of cockpit work incidents on high-speed workboats. Although maritime safety is studied actively, information on such incidents is limited. The study examined how the Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (n = 7) and 11 Finnish maritime organizations (n = 69) analysed HFs in their incident and accident reports from 2009 to 2021. The HF Tool was used to evaluate the incident analysis and investigation methods, and safety reporting and HF investigations were found to require improvement. Teamwork and communication competencies were poorly acknowledged, and the emphasis was on the performance of individuals. Several HFs, including crew competencies and working methods, were found to play a role in incidents. Our study contributes to improving safety reporting, incident investigations and mastering HFs in maritime high-speed workboats.