b'sizes the need for further investigation to determine whythat affect human performance, i.e., what led to the person someone did something wrong. making the incorrect decision or action.Unfortunately, standards in incident investigation vary.A good quality investigation will identify the root cause Some investigations do not go any further than identi- andseveralcontributoryfactors.Tacklingeachofthese fying the immediate cause but fail to uncover the realwill not only prevent the same type of incident from hap-root cause of the problem. Many conclude with humanpening again but could also prevent a wide range of similar error or failure to follow procedures as the root cause.incidents from occurring.When such findings are made, the typical response is to try to treat the symptoms by adding more procedures orCONCLUSIONrequiring seafarers to undergo additional training. How- Establishing a strong safety culture, where everyone is com-ever, does this strategy foster a positive safety culture? mitted to safety and takes responsibility for their own safety as well as others, is a key objective for the UK P&I Club. Such Human error barely scratches the surface of an incidenta culture is built on a foundation of trust, communication, investigation. If someone did something wrong, then itsandcooperation.Itfocusesoncontinuousimprovement critical to understand why. Similarly, if someone violates aand learning from mistakes. By applying these concepts, we procedure, then it is essential to understand the reasons forcan reduce safety-related incidents, boost productivity, and the violation. The focus can then be directed to the factorsfoster a more engaged and committed workforce. About the AuthorAbout the Author ASHAT ARORAMATTHEW W. J. JOHNSTON SENIOR RISK ASSESSOR SENIOR CLAIMS EXECUTIVETHOMAS MILLER INSURANCE SERVICES THOMAS MILLER INSURANCE SERVICESCapt. Ashat serves as a Senior Risk Assessor on theMatthew serves as a Senior Claims Executive for the Loss Prevention Team for the UK P&I Club. He isUK P&I Club, based in San Francisco. He is on the a Master Mariner with sea-going and shore-basedBodily Injury team in the Americas and also works experience managing aspects relating to maritimeontheContractReviewteam.Priortojoining safety, security, and quality management systems.Thomas Miller in 2019, he practiced maritime law Prior to joining Thomas Miller, he worked with anin the San Francisco Bay Area. Matthew is a grad-IG P&I Club in the Loss Prevention departmentuate from the University of San Francisco School with a particular focus on crew and cargo claims,of Law and a member of the California State Bar, environmental compliance, incident investigationthe Passenger Vessel Association, and the Maritime androotcauseanalysis.Hehasbeencloselyin- Law Association of the United States. He is also a volved with issues related to seafarers wellbeingpast-President of the Pacific Admiralty Seminar.andothersustainability-relatedmattersinthe maritime sector.45 AUGUST 2023'