Reporting practices in merchant shipping, and the identification of influencing factors

The objective of this paper is to identify the factors determining the reporting frequency of experience data e.g. incidents and accidents. The empirical setting is the Norwegian controlled merchant fleet. Data were collected from a survey carried out in 2006, where 1262 questionnaires were gathered from 76 vessels. The data were subjected to explorative factor analysis, method of principal component and varimax rotation. Seven factors, representing latent dimensions of safety culture, were extracted. Internal consistency (Cronbach Alpha) and scale reliability were found to be acceptable. The factor scores were used in an ordered logistic regression to examine the factors’ relationships to reporting frequency. The results show that enhanced safety related training, a trusting and open relationship among the crew, safety oriented ship management, performance of pro-active risk identification activities and feedback on reported events all are significantly related to higher reporting frequency. On the other hand, demand for efficiency and lack of attention to safety from shore personnel, are significantly related to lower reporting frequency. The results also show a significantly lower reporting frequency among those who have worked with their local manager less than 1 year. Bulk and dry cargo vessels also show significantly lower reporting frequency than those working on liquid bulk carriers.

Research highlights
► Good management increases reporting frequency of accidents/incidents.
► Crew competence, good relationships and good work practices increase reporting.
► Feedback on reported events increases reporting frequency.
► Demands for efficiency decrease reporting.