Underlying factors which cause task deviation leading to dangerous situations at sea

One of the primary human elements attributed to mishaps at sea is task deviation. Task deviation occurs when a seafarer’s execution of a task is different from what is outlined in the standard procedure provided by the shipping company. It is essential to understand what causes seafarers to deviate from their standard procedures to minimise task deviations at sea, leading to dangerous situations. This research paper raises findings from a study that qualitatively examines why in the maritime industry, work as imagined is different from work as done. It presents six factors that cause task deviation leading to dangerous situations at sea as outcomes. ● Task deviations by seafarers may lead to dangerous situations at sea due to discrepancies between Work-as-Imagined and Work-as-Done. ● Accidents at sea take place due to six underlying factors causing task deviation. ● Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) which is a theoretical framework applied in the analysis of human behaviour is used in this study. ● Contemporary accident investigation methods do not sufficiently identify broader systemic issues in accident aetiology. ● 'Task deviation due to human element model' depicts possible causation of accidents due to task deviation leading to dangerous situations.