Time constraints as one of the leading causes of task deviations on board ships

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Our research shows that seafarers’ priorities for conducting work as intended (WAI) changes when confronted with time constraints thus work as done (WAD) did not align with what has been planned (WAI). Further, the work procedures provided by the ship operators (WAI) do not take into account the time constraints seafarers face at sea. Three major themes emerged that contradict the object of getting WAD (by seafarers at sea) aligned with WAI (by ship operators). The first major theme is perceived as the job insecurity among seafarers. The limited job market for seafarers requires them to be competitive. They do what it takes to get the job done in the timeframe they are asked to. This persuades seafarers to deviate from prescribed tasks as assigned when confronted with time pressure. The second major theme was flaws in systems put in place by shipping operators. To comply with the international regulations, the ship operators formalised the ship operations into a series of standard tasks procedures and checklists. Our research shows that following these procedures under time pressure resulted in task deviation at sea. The third major theme was the seafarers’ perception that ship operators are prioritising profit over safe ship operations. This had an adverse effect on seafarers’ efforts to carry out WAI under time constraints.

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