What are Human Factors (HF)?

Those factors involved in each situation where individuals and their interactions with:

• Other people;
• Rules and procedures;
• Tools and equipment; or
• With the operating environment,

influence the outcome of that situation.

A considerable amount of research in HF has been conducted over recent years and it is estimated that as much as 90% of incidents involve HF causes. Consequently, the development and implementation of HF training has been adopted by many hazardous industries to minimise the likelihood of an accident and the associated equipment and personnel cost.

How Does This Affect the Royal Navy?

In 2018, the Maritime Safety Strategy 2018-2020 – ‘Safe to Fight’ was published.

One consequence of this was the development of a Human Factors Introduction (HFI) training package by the Navy Safety Centre (NSC).

The HFI training package is now delivered to all trainees within Phase 1 training.

HFI will become a mandatory part of the Core Military Skill (CMS) of the Royal Navy.

Serving personnel who have not received this training will do so via personnel qualified on the Maritime Human Factors Facilitators Course.

Maritime Human Factors Facilitators Course

This course is 4 1/2 days in duration and will qualify personnel to deliver the HFI training package.

What is the Aim of HF Training in the Royal Navy?

Ultimately, the aim of HF training within the Royal Navy is to control exposure to risk and enhance the effective delivery of maritime war-fighting capability.

Useful Documents

• Maritime Safety Strategy 2018-2020 – ‘Safe to Fight’.
• RNTM 07-56/17.