Ship of the Future: Human Problems and Performance

Abstract

The construction of the so-called “ship of the Future” will not only intensify most of the known specific conditions of seafaring, it will confront us with new human problems and influence the performance on board.

Models of this type of ship are part of national development research programmes in different countries.

The known “negative” factors

• long absence and separation from society and family, living together with others in a small (compulsory) group without a chance to alter the “organizational” role, the necessity of shiftwork, the environmental conditions etc.

• will be increased by new ones

• port of the future, centralization, isolation etc.

• which will change the self-realization of the seafarer.

The new conditions will not meet the motivational structure and thus lead to frustration and demotivation.

To help the seaman endure his situation without endangering his mental and psychical health, two measures can be taken:

improvements on board and compensations ashore. Further necessary steps are differentiated psychological accident analysis, psychological selection and a specific group training.