Utilisation of cognitive map in modelling human error in marine accident analysis and prevention

Marine accident analysis is one of the most significant milestones in enhancement of maritime safety and environmental awareness. This paper uses human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) combined with cognitive map (CM) in marine accident analysis. The HFACS-CM model is recognised as hybrid accident analysis approach provides distribution of human error by taking the operational evidence into account. The proposed investigation model is applied to various marine accident cases in order to analyse the role of human factors in the course of events. A man overboard situation during a lifeboat drill, a critical aspect of the evacuation procedure on-board cruise ships, is chosen as a novel case to demonstrate how the HFACS-CM approach operates in practice. Consequently, the study can contribute to identify and reduce human errors in marine accidents.