Description
Lessons from the Flight Deck: Applying Aviation Safety Practices to Maritime Operations
In 2017, aviation achieved its safest year in history—marking the first time in six decades with no fatalities on commercial airlines. While aviation and maritime are distinct in many ways, there is much the maritime sector can learn from aviation’s rigorous approach to safety and risk management.
Despite advances in technology and training, the maritime industry continues to experience recurring incidents—many of them avoidable, often with tragic consequences for crew members and significant financial and operational impacts for shipowners and operators. The aviation sector, in contrast, has spent decades developing and refining human element management through a process-oriented, systemic approach that views human error not as the end of the investigation, but as a starting point for improvement.
This guide bridges the gap between the two industries, demonstrating how proven aviation safety principles—especially those addressing the human element—can be effectively adapted for use in maritime operations. Developed by the UK P&I Club to enhance members’ access to world-class safety training, the publication complements the Club’s Maritime Crew Resource Management (MCRM) course: an innovative human element programme that integrates aviation insights into maritime practice.
Through the analysis of 12 real-world aviation incidents, each cross-referenced with equivalent maritime scenarios, this guide draws out actionable lessons relevant to seafarers and shore-based teams alike. Each case study is followed by a focused discussion highlighting key human factor themes such as:
- Effective communication
- Situational awareness
- Team coordination
- The importance of a shared mental model within the bridge team
By fostering cross-industry learning and encouraging the adoption of aviation-style safety culture, this publication supports continuous improvement in maritime safety practices and promotes a proactive approach to managing the human element at sea.
