Practice of and attitudes toward familiarisation on board: Survey of Croatian and Montenegrin maritime officers

Abstract

Familiarisation is an important factor of safety on technologically advanced ships. International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) states that the Company should establish procedures to ensure the familiarisation process, but the exact way in which familiarisation should be carried out and the duration of the process are not determined. Familiarisation is often regarded as formality although it should not be the case at all. Non-compliance with the required familiarisation procedures and flaws in the safety system often result in human error. The latter is a major cause of numerous sea accidents. The research published has revealed that shipping companies and seafarers often fail to follow the prescribed procedures and perform familiarisation inadequately. This research is based on a survey of Croatian and Montenegrin deck and engine officers. The survey results indicate weaknesses in the familiarisation and handover processes on board ships. Therefore, suggestions are made for enhancing the existing procedures, aiming at a more efficient familiarisation and handover, particularly aboard technologically advanced ships.