TRB Committee on Marine Safety and Human Factors

This is a website for the dissemination of information related to the Transportation Research Board Committee on Marine Safety and Human Factors.

The Committee on Marine Safety and Human Factors brings together safety researchers and operating personnel from the marine sector (including both deepsea and inland waterway operators, across all types of vessel service, harbor operations, as well as offshore industry operations) to identify critical issues and to define, support, and disseminate results of research aimed at enhancing the performance, safety, efficiency, and comfort of those involved in and/or using marine transportation systems. The scope encompasses:· The human’s role in the operation and control of the full range of marine vessels, vessel management, maintenance, and protection of harbor, coastal and riverine areas· The health, safety, and quality of life of those who operate and maintain these vessels· The comfort and safety of marine transportation system users· The human impact of water transportation and port operations on neighboring communities.

Mission

The mission of the Marine Safety and Human Factors Committee is to advance and disseminate knowledge in the areas of marine safety and human factors that will benefit the transportation industry and government agencies.

Scope

The Committee on Marine Safety and Human Factors brings together safety researchers and operating personnel from the marine sector (including both deep-sea and inland waterway operators, across all types of vessel service, harbor operations, as well as offshore industry operations) to identify critical issues and to define, support, and disseminate results of research aimed at enhancing the performance, safety, efficiency, and comfort of those involved in and/or using marine transportation systems. The scope encompasses:

  • The human’s role in the operation and control of the full range of marine vessels, vessel management, maintenance, and protection of harbor, coastal and riverine areas
  • The health, safety, and quality of life of those who operate and maintain these vessels
  • The comfort and safety of marine transportation system users
  • The human impact of water transportation and port operations on neighboring communities.

Objectives

The objectives of the Committee include the following:

  • Provide a forum for sharing information and research related to marine safety and human factors in marine operations.
  • Identify emerging performance and safety issues and technologies relevant to vessel and harbor operations, for both freight and passengers
  • Act as a resource to the marine industry and other organizations involved in the development and operation of water transportation
  • Develop technical exchange sessions to advance marine safety and better understand and address human factors issues
  • Develop and disseminate research needs statements

Activities

Planned Committee activities include the following:

  • Identify, document, and develop activities relating to human capital, human factors, and safety in the marine sector. In particular, address critical issues such as voluntary safety reporting, skilled personnel shortages, cultural and communication issues and ship design and automation.
  • Facilitate sharing marine safety and human factors information within the TRB, government and industry
  • Sponsor sessions and contribute papers and presentations for future TRB Annual Meetings, midyear conferences, and specialty workshops
  • Assume a leading role in planning and development of the Annual Harbor Safety Committee (HSC) Conference
  • Serve as a point of contact for the TRB, government agencies, and industry for issues relating to marine safety and human factors

Committee Formation

Formation of a Task Force on Marine Safety and Human Factors (AW040T) was first discussed at an organizational meeting organized by the TRB Marine Group on January 14, 2008. Activities of this Task Force since then indicated there was ongoing interest and membership to support a full standing committee in this area. The proposed mission, scope, objectives, organizational structure, and membership for approval of the group as a Committee were submitted to TRB and approval given to become a full Standing Committee at the Annual TRB meetings in January 2014.

Justification for Committee

Until the advent of the Task Force on Marine Safety and Human Factors, there has been minimal marine safety and human factors content in TRB’s Annual Meeting workshops, papers, and presentations. Similar minimal content has occurred at the marine-related summer meetings. This has occurred primarily because the small number of Marine Group Committees have had to cover a broad array of water transportation issues. The focus and extensive studies performed by the Marine Board, however, have included a number of safety and human factors related issues and there is increasing concern for operational safety and proactively addressing human factors issues by the Coast Guard, the Navy, the Maritime Administration, Minerals Management Service, and other agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as from various industry associations and their members. There are many areas of particular concern ranging from addressing very specific problems regarding operational safety and crew and passenger issues to changing general attitudes toward safety and otherwise improving individual and organizational behavior to improve effectiveness and safety. Creation of a TRB committee under the Marine Group explicitly charged with safety and human factors will help address and reduce industry and government concerns by enhancing marine safety and human factors.

Organization

The Committee was formed under the Marine Group and is composed of a Chair, a Vice Chair, TRB Staff Representative, Members, Young Members, and Friends. Regular liaison with the AND10 Committee and the activities of the Annual TRB Workshop on Human Factors in Transportation is expected because of the related common interests in safety and human factors activities and potential for sharing of best practices between the different modes of transportation. The Committee also has a close relationship with the Rail Safety Committee (AR070) where interests are similar.