A pilot framework for BRM training

Abstract: Human error has been a key factor in grounding- and collision incidents in the past and continues to present a challenge to the maritime industry in the present day. The feasibility of a pilot framework for Bridge Resource Management (BRM) training lies at the heart of this study, its objective being to gauge the possibility of the construction of such a model. The result is thought to open up for further research and highlight the most relevant and effective BRM tools that can be used, by the bridge team, to prevent collision and grounding. The study was carried out in two stages. Firstly, four key personnel within the shipping industry were interviewed. These respondents were tasked with prioritising what they regarded as the most effective BRM tools. Secondly, the effectiveness of these tools was tested on marine incident cases. A document analysis was carried out on six collision and grounding cases, as investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). The majority of the respondents were in agreement regarding which three BRM tools they regarded as the most relevant and effective. The result from the interviews was repeated in the result from the document analysis.  The conclusions that were drawn are that: it is possible to construct a pilot framework for BRM training and it is also possible to measure the effectiveness of the BRM tools. Additionally, suggestions for further research that arose from this thesis pertain to the study of the relationship between different BRM tools.