Human Factors Analysis of U.S. Navy Afloat Mishaps
Abstract
The effects of maritime mishaps, which include loss of life as well as environmental and economic considerations, are significant. It has been estimated that over 80 percent of maritime accidents are at least partially attributable to human error. Human error has been extensively studied in a number of fields, particularly aviation. The present research involves application of the Human Factors Accident Classification System (HFACS), developed by the Naval Safety Center, to human error causal factors identified in selected investigation reports of significant mishaps occurring on U.S. Navy afloat and diving units from 1992 to 1996. An evaluation of the reliability of the classification system was performed by measuring the level of agreement between two independent raters application of the system to mishap analysis. Descriptive statistics and categorical data analysis were performed and meaningful insights were revealed regarding the types of human error that were associated with afloat naval mishaps. Comments and recommendations regarding implementation of the classification system for use in maritime accident analysis are provided.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA354288
Entities
People
- Rex D. Lacy
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School