Workplace frustration leading to task deviation and accidents at sea – A sociocultural perspective on the maritime human element

Abstract

Seafaring continues to be risky despite the tremendous international effort to curb maritime accidents. While onboard, seafarers, as the principal human element in the maritime industry, must face myriad physical and mental stresses and dynamic safety challenges. So far, many of these challenges have remained out of the scope of the maritime industry and research communities. Our earlier research addressed some human element-related challenges, including time constraints, fatigue and performing simultaneous tasks. This study addresses a crucial element that has yet to be adequately researched: seafarers' frustration at their workplace. It is essential because managing the high rate of maritime accidents due to task deviation and its underlying factor of frustration has been a significant challenge for the governing authorities of the maritime industry. This research constitutes a significant qualitative investigation, utilising interviews to explore an underlying factor contributing to maritime accidents. We show that workplace frustration is a significant cause of task deviation, leading to dangerous situations at sea. This paper presents four reasons for frustration at sea: physical hardship in conducting a task, social isolation, working with undesirable people, and severed expectations. Additionally, the main steps that the maritime industry can take to mitigate seafarers’ frustration at sea are recommended.