Non-Technical Skills

A review of maritime accidents conducted recently confirms that human error is the main contributing factor in maritime accidents. This study illustrates that major maritime accidents are not caused by technical problems but by failure of the crew to respond to the situation appropriately. Non-technical skills (NTS) encompass both interpersonal and cognitive skills such as situation awareness teamwork decision-making leadership managerial skills communication and language skills etc. In a crisis situation good NTS allow the deck officers to recognize a problem quickly and manage the situation and team safely and effectively. As a result the evaluation and grading of deck officers’ NTS is necessary to assure safety at sea.