Introduction
Mobile phones and their global internet high speed connectivity provide an astounding communication and information tool. Regrettably – due to the associated distraction that these devices and connectivity cause – they also present a serious danger to ship safety and human life. This Risk Bulletin revisits and updates a human element problem not yet adequately resolved and reportedly mounting as a contributory cause of collisions, groundings and crew casualties.
Background
Members were previously alerted to the mobile phone distraction and dangerously increased reaction time hazard by way of Risk Bulletin No. 4 in December 2018. Since that time, mobile phone related ship and/or crew casualty incidents have continued to be reported and assessed by flag state investigators such as the UK’s MAIB and Australia’s AMSA. Industry NGOs such as the Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP) provide similar ‘lessons learned’ data. The total number of such incidents does is not readily available. However, an AMSA investigation team consultant has described the current mobile phone distraction problem as “epidemic”.
The ownership and use of mobile phones and similar devices continues to grow throughout the world. It therefore follows that the number and use of mobile phones by ship crews for social connection with family and friends and for business use to ship managers and port agents is growing together with the related hazards. So, what can be done to reduce the risks?
The Human Element, Mobile Phone Distraction and UK MCA Guidance
The Human Element (HE) issue and its associated hazards are complex. The UK’s MCA have established a specialist department to study and report on HE issues, and their findings and updates are published on a regular basis. Members are encouraged to access MCA Guidance MGN 520 (M) Amend. 2, Human Element Guidance, the Deadly Dozen. This Guidance document summarises the “most common twelve significant people factors” and their impacts.
Members are also referred to MCA Guidance MGN 638 (M+F) Amendment 1: Human Element Guidance – Part 3 Distraction – The fatal dangers of mobile phones and other personal devices when working. This supplementary Guidance refers back to MCA Guidance MGN 520. It provides a specific focus on the dangers of “distraction” caused by mobile phone use and associated “loss of situational awareness”. Relevant extracts are provided as below:
“2.2 Inappropriate use of mobile phones and other personal devices is a major cause of distraction and loss of awareness. In a safety critical environment this has led to death, injury and serious damage. While this notice deals with the risks from mobile devices, the points made in this section apply equally to other sources of distraction such as preoccupation with ECDIS and alarm systems onboard.”
“2.3 Humans have a finite ability to pay attention to their surroundings and activities. Operating ships and ships’ equipment demands a great deal of this attentional ability. Similarly, holding a conversation by mobile phone or operating a personal electronic device for entertainment also demand a considerable amount of human attentional ability. Using such devices, while [simultaneously] operating a ship, places increased demands on the human brain leading to cognitive overload and impairment…”
The Human Element, Distraction Causing Devices (DCDs) and Industry Guidance
The concept and importance of the Human Element is set out in the IMO’s Resolution A.947 (23), “Human Element Vision, Principles and Goals for the Organization”. These principles and goals are formally supported by the Human Element Industry Group (HEIG) which currently includes BIMCO, IMAREST, the Nautical Institute and InterManager.
The HEIG published their Guidelines for the Management of DCDs on Board Ships in March 2025. DCD’s include mobile phones, tablets and other internet connected devices.
The HEIG Guidelines extoll the benefits of DCDs in terms of improved connectivity, operational efficiency and seafarer welfare. The benefits are then set against the associated risks of DCD distraction in terms of reduced productivity and – more critically in the high risk environment shipping industry – the resultant unsafe practices. An extract from Section 4, Distraction at Work, is a below:
“On ships, seafarers carry out multiple tasks that need constant situational awareness, many of which are safety critical. For some of these tasks, the situation is dynamic thus it is essential the seafarer maintains undivided attention to the situation at hand. However, with so many potential sources of distraction it is easy to lose focus and, with that, situational awareness.”
Distraction and Loss of Situational Awareness Case Studies
The MCA and HEIG Guidance publications both make use of incident case studies to illustrate the often devastating consequences of mobile phone/DCD distraction and loss of situational awareness. Summaries of two examples, the first relating to bridge watchkeeping and the second to port operations, are provided below:
- General Cargo ship SCOT CARRIER in collision with split hopper barge KARIN HOJ in Swedish waters, Dec. 2021. The KARIN HOJ capsized and sank with the loss of her two man master and mate crew.
The findings of the UK’s MAIB were that: “The bridge was fitted with modern navigational equipment … However, there was no effective lookout during the watch leading up to the collision as the 2nd Officer was continuously distracted by his tablet computer [screen display] and his focus on it would have used much of his cognitive function. The brightness and proximity of the device while viewing the video chat site would also have affected the 2nd Officer’s night vision.”
- Ro-Ro Ferry SEATRUCK PROGRESS, 3rd Officer struck and killed during cargo operations, May 2019
The findings of the UK’s MAIB were that: “The third officer was standing on the stern ramp and was talking on his mobile telephone when he was struck. He was facing down the ramp and was unaware of the trailer approaching from behind”.
Further that: “… the 3/O’s attention might have been captured by the importance and value of the phone call to the extent that he unconsciously focused all his cognitive resource on the call. Using up one’s cognitive resources in this type of situation is a natural process and can make it very difficult to attend to other surrounding activities, causing one to overlook significant known hazards.”
Regulatory Compliance and Loss Prevention
As yet, no amendments to either the IMO’s STCW Convention, SOLAS or the COLREGS have been made which directly address the serious problem presented by mobile phone/DCD distraction and loss of situational awareness. As such, there is currently no IMO or associated flag state regulation which specifically governs the use of mobile phones/DCDs on board ships in relation to watchkeeping and shipboard operations.
However, as noted above, flag state authorities (such as the UK’s MCA and Australia’s AMSA) and industry organisations (such as HEIG) have published ‘best practice’ guides on the nature of the mobile phone/DCD distraction problem and the steps necessary for all ship owners, managers and masters to control and minimise the associated risks. Members should consider the implementations of these guides as essential to demonstrating prudent ship management processes.
Conclusion and Takeaway
It can be seen that the misuse of mobile phones/DCDs by watchkeepers or crew members in operational situations can – as a consequence of distraction and lack of situational awareness – prove both fatal and costly. MM’s recommendations to Members are as follows:
- Confer with your ship managers, DPAs and masters and conduct a formal risk assessment of the current mobile phone/DCD distraction risks – both as already experienced and future – within your fleet.
- Based on your risk assessment and the UK MCA and the HEIG guidance publications, establish a clear written policy on the use of mobile phones/DCDs on board your ships by both watchkeepers and by crew during shipboard operations.
- NOTE: Your policy should include clear advice on either the restriction (e.g. mobile phones must be set to ‘airplane mode’) or total prohibition of the use of such devices along with the shipboard areas and operational circumstances in which these rules apply.
- Conduct a thorough review of your company’s ISM Code or NCVS equivalent manuals and procedures to update and ensure they include a specific reference to your company’s mobile phone/DCD use policy together with access to the supporting UK MCA and the HEIG guidance publications.
- Ensure that both internal and external audits of ISM Code or NCVS equivalent manuals and procedures include checks on strict adherence to your company’s mobile phone/DCD use policy and associated safeguards.
- Provide education and training to your masters and crews on the hazards associated with mobile phone/DCD misuse, the potential consequences and the ways in which they can make both themselves and their ship safer by adhering to company policy based on industry ‘best practice’ guidelines.
