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However , the majority of safety incidents stem from failure to adhere to the rules , regulations and procedures , or from mistrusting or overriding information . The maritime industry must embrace cultural change and demonstrate the transformative power of data in improving crew safety and well-being . Captain Steve Bomgardner , Vice President Shipping & Offshore , Pole Star Global , advocates for leveraging digitization to enhance crew experiences at every level of onboard operations , embedding the value of information within the industry and overcoming the mistrust that can lead to catastrophic disasters .
Prioritizing safety
Shipping companies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the need to enhance their data resources and improve information utilization . The limitations of siloed , legacy data systems and the risks to safety , efficiency and responsiveness created by a lack of trusted , real-time data are becoming apparent . Many major disasters and routine incidents could have been avoided with better , up to date data – such as the outdated weather information that led to the loss of the El Faro and its crew .
Under immense pressure to meet deadlines and port delays , crews may push boundaries without adequate oversight . Reluctance to reroute due to weather or conflict arises from potential delays and added costs . Rerouting can also further delay shore leave or extend contracts for a crew that has been at sea for up to 18 months , leading to underplayed risk assessments .
The depth of data available today informs efficiency and performance decisions and is crucial to creating safer working environments . For instance , speed and fuel consumption curves not only monitor engine efficiency but can also indicate improper fuel combustion . Timely information use can reduce risks of oil leak or hydrocarbon failures that could cause crew casualties and / or environmental disasters ; and support preventative maintenance to avoid costly delays in dry dock while the problem is fixed .
Cultural transformation
However , simply collecting data alone does not safeguard vessels and crew . The Deepwater Horizon disaster exemplifies that data alone is insufficient ; mistrust of data and human error led to the explosion , causing 11 deaths and the world ’ s most devastating oil spill .
Even with data , its value is often not recognized or understood by crews . Senior crew members spend more time in meetings , swamped by documentation , rather than engaging in hands-on activities . Many view onshore oversight of engine performance or fuel consumption as punitive rather than supportive . Consequently , data and systems are perceived as distractions rather than vital additions for supporting safety and efficiency .
To truly harness integrated information , crews need better ways to interpret multiple data feeds at once . They must understand how digitization and data support their daily activities and enhance core activities , rather than undermining them . Critically , a cultural shift is needed to recognize that providing onshore teams with an immediate and complete overview of onboard activities is an extremely important second line of defense against incidents and disasters .
Enhancing crew experience
Maximizing the value of available information requires changing attitudes towards data through better education and training and tools that genuinely improve day-to-day working experiences . Prioritizing vessel safety and crew well-being is crucial for changing attitudes towards digitization and data .
For example , no single person should have to decide whether a sensor is faulty , or
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