Improving Human Relations Onboard

Working onboard is a job that requires extreme effort. A ship cannot run without a good team, and therefore for any operations to be performed safely and smoothly, a good relationship is required between the entire crew.  

The number of persons onboard is limited, additionally, the crew members are all living and cohabitating in a very small environment, hence, disputes and dissatisfaction between fellow seafarers are very likely to occur. During such situations, it is extremely important to have a good leader. This leader will ensure to keep the relationships of members onboard are healthy and help in solving any discontent between parties.  

It is important for every person onboard to socialize and try to get to know all their colleagues. This will ensure that the values and skills of others are understood and respected to form a stronger bond. The Master, Chief Officer, and Chief Engineer should help new joining members get involved and ensure that a happy relationship is kept onboard both when the crew members are working together and in their free time. Various activities onboard may enhance human relations. These include but are not limited to:

• Toolbox Meetings.
• Coffee Time.
• Onboard Training.
• Free Time.
• Onboard Events.
• Parties, etc.

Toolbox Meetings

Toolbox meetings which are usually carried out onboard every morning to assign the daily jobs to each crew member, are a great excuse to get all the crew members together. The Chief Officer or Chief Engineer as a leader should encourage crew members to discuss their views and voice their opinions about how a job can be carried out most efficiently and safely. 

When crew members are individually asked and encouraged to give their opinions, a sense of responsibility, importance and appreciation is installed leading to a happier more fulfilled crew and better relationships onboard. 

Coffee Time

Coffee Time is a time that is very looked forward to by seafarers onboard. This is the time when the crew can discuss how the daily jobs are proceeding and additionally take a little break from work. During this time, the crew tends to gather together in the crew mess. 

Onboard Training 

Onboard training is another important task which gets all the crew members together. This training should be arranged in a way, to ensures that most of the crew members are available to attend. During such activity, the crew members will again be able to voice their opinions about safety. 

Free Time

Due to the harsh working hours onboard, most crew members including officers, tend to retire straight to their cabins upon completion of the working day. It is therefore advisable for senior officers to organize activities such as watching movies together or karaoke nights to help crew meet after working hours and socialize outside the working environment. 

Events

When possible, the organization of recreational events which include the crew members working in a team should be considered. Activities such as sports or team games can enhance the human relationships between crew members and additionally aid in creating a better team spirit. Basketball tournaments during free time or days off or other games should be planned and organized. 

Parties 

A party or BBQ is a great method to help seafarers break the monotony of life at sea and socialize a bit. These events help create a bond between seafarers onboard and additionally relieve some stress. When planning such activities, the Master and senior officers should ensure that this is done in a way to include everyone onboard. 

Unfortunately, there will always be crew members which are still on duty and therefore the master or senior officers should ensure that any person which is working during the time that the party is ongoing is either relieved before so they can enjoy the party with fellow crew members too or, if that is not feasible, then next time a party or activity is planned, the time should be different to ensure that the crew members that could not attend the last party, can now attend the new one.