Stress related effects on nautical officers' behaviour during maritime emergency and crisis situations

Abstract

Emergency and crisis situations on maritime vessels are recurring events which demand appropriate management by responsible officers, in order to prevent and avoid possible disastrous consequences. Psychological stress during an emergency or crisis situation can have a number of effects on an individual, depending on the character of the situation and the perception and personal attributes of the individual involved. This paper aims to present the effects of stress on nautical officers during maritime emergency and crisis situations. How the psychological stress during a maritime emergency or crisis can influence the behaviour and response of a nautical officer is exemplified in this paper: through the study of three maritime casualties and through interviews with officers who have previous experience of critical events. This study determines the need for attention and further research in what is concluded as an important maritime safety issue.