The Negative Impact of Complacency on the Seafarer’s Attitude and Behaviors

Hesham Mohamed Eldabe

DOI NO. https://doi.org/10.59660/50733 Received 16/03/2025, Revised 10/04/2025, Acceptance 14/25/2025, Available online and Published 01/07/2025

Abstract:

In safety-critical sectors, particularly in maritime transport, where it is a major cause of accidents and incidents involving seafarers, the marine environment, and economic resources, complacency is a recurring and dangerous problem. The objective of this study is to investigate the root causes of seafarers’ complacency and its impact on safety performance. By using a mixed-methods approach, i.e., a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study produced comprehensive and meaningful data. While the quantitative data provided quantitative patterns regarding complacency, fatigue, job satisfaction, and corporate culture, the qualitative data was collected through questionnaire to capture the unique views of seafarers. The study also examines the way compliance varies by vessel type and other working environments. The findings are that human watchfulness is weakened, and complacency is inadvertently created, even while technology like monitoring and automation systems improve operational effectiveness. In addition to compromising maritime safety, this double impact renders seafarers more stressed, tired and dissatisfied, and detrimental to their mental and physical well-being. The study adds to the body of knowledge by pinpointing the importance of taking seafarers’ viewpoints on board while formulating methods of minimizing complacency, something that has been broadly overlooked in existing research.