(NEWS) Accident Causation and Behaviour-Based Safety Course Delivered for GEFO

February

2025

Accident Causation and Behaviour-Based Safety Course Delivered for GEFO

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From 12 to 13 February, the World Maritime University (WMU) conducted a customized Executive Professional Development Course (EPDC) on Accident Causation and Behaviour-Based Safety for Gesellschaft für Oeltransporte mbH (GEFO), further reinforcing a longstanding collaboration focused on professional and organizational safety culture development initiatives for GEFO.

Hosted at WMU’s headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, the seminar brought together 33 GEFO participants, including seafarers and members of the ship management team, to explore accident causation models and key principles and applications of behaviour-based safety in the maritime sector.

Led by WMU Professor, Dr Michael Ekow Manuel, the course emphasized proactive safety management strategies aimed at reducing maritime incidents and accidents by analyzing and influencing both human and system behaviours. Key topics covered included accident causation models—along with their nature and limitations—causal reasoning, the role of behaviour-based safety in fostering safer work practices, instilling a safety culture across maritime operations, and system-thinking approaches relating to performance variability under diverse conditions.

This seminar is the latest in a series of ongoing collaboration between WMU and GEFO, complementing previous EPDCs on Seafarer Health and Wellbeing, which have been delivered in Manila, Gydnia, Hamburg, and Malmö. These initiatives highlight WMU and GEFO’s shared dedication to tackling the evolving challenges of the maritime industry while prioritizing safety, health, and wellbeing for seafarers.

Since 2014, GEFO has consistently engaged with WMU for specialized EPDCs covering topics such as Maritime Safety, Emergency Management in line with the ISM Code, Accident Investigation, and Seafarer Health and Wellbeing. This enduring partnership underscores the vital role of targeted professional development in enhancing maritime safety standards.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

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My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

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