HUMAN ERROR MANAGEMENT 4.0
Enhancing Maritime Safety through Human Error Management (HEM)
In today’s complex and highly regulated maritime industry, ensuring safety at sea remains a top priority. One of the most critical aspects of maritime safety is Human Error Management (HEM) – the structured approach to identifying, preventing, and managing human errors in ship operations.
Despite ongoing technological innovation, human error continues to be a leading cause of maritime accidents. Incidents such as the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise (1987), the Deepwater Horizon explosion (2010), and the Ernst Russ vessel collision (2025) highlight the catastrophic impact of insufficient error management in the maritime sector.
Human Error Management is essential for improving operational safety and risk prevention. The BSH-MARITIME-HEM SYSTEM aligns with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and other international maritime safety standards. It provides a robust framework for shipping companies and crews to systematically reduce risks and strengthen onboard safety procedures.
To achieve truly safe, efficient, and sustainable ship operations, it is crucial that all parties — from shipping companies to crews — embrace a proactive safety culture. This culture does not only aim to minimize errors but also encourages the continuous analysis and prevention of potential failures before they result in costly incidents.
By integrating a comprehensive HEM strategy, maritime organizations can significantly reduce human error, comply with global safety regulations, and ensure long-term operational success.
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Discover how Human Error Management (HEM) enhances maritime safety and supports compliance with the ISM Code. Learn how BSH-MARITIME-HEM helps reduce risks in ship operations.