Some Observations on Ship Manning Developments in Northern Europe, and Implications for Design

Abstract

A Report to the Institut fur Schiffs und Meerestechnik of Technische Universitat Berlin.&&In this report you will find a summary of the interwoven economic, technical, and social factors that are forcing change in the management of merchant fleets of northern Europe . The cumulative effect upon seafaring life and seafaring careers has been nothing short of profound. Human factors have in the past been relatively neglected in comparison to the attention given to technical and economic factors. If the national fleets of high-_wage nations are to survive in international competition, ways must be found to increase the productivity of crew members to a level commensurate with their earnings. This can only be achieved through a strategy of design and operation that thoroughly intertwines social, economic and technical considerations into an integrated unity. This is my primary conclusion. From it follow recommendations ,some general, some specific. These are directed to fleet managers, seafarers, ship designers, and the appropriate centers of education and training. The main emphasis, however, is directed to the fraternity of naval architects and marine engineers.