Maritime psychology: Definition, scope and conceptualization

Abstract

This chapter introduces and defines maritime psychology, discussing its scope and conceptualization. It considers the development of “human element” within the maritime sector, and the importance given to human behaviour in key maritime conventions and documents. It is argued that psychology has often been used in a piecemeal fashion in the maritime transport sector and that a more expansive and systems-based approach to embracing psychosocial factors should now be adopted. A framework outlining such a systems approach is presented. Particular challenges for the maritime transport sector are highlighted and then the remaining nine chapters of the book are briefly previewed. There are important needs and exciting opportunities to develop research and practice in the maritime transport sector. There are also many and varied ways in which the interface between human behaviour and the maritime environment can be developed into a much broader maritime psychology than currently exists.