Title: Supporting high-speed workboat crew performance with blunt-end human factors

Authors: Mikko Lehtimäki; Anna-Maria Teperi

Addresses: University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 32, 65200 Vaasa, Finland; Mikko Lehtimäki Oy, Koulukatu 66–68 C 42, FI-65100 Vaasa, Finland ' Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Topeliuksenkatu 41b, FI-00023 Työterveyslaitos, Finland

Abstract: Work and organisational factors (blunt-end factors) have been recognised as key features of maritime crew performance. In the case of high-speed workboats (HSWs), evidence of how blunt-end human factors (HF) are managed is lacking. This paper examined the HFs that particularly need addressing to enhance crew performance support. We obtained data from operators (n = 281) at four levels of Finnish HSW organisations (n = 5) using a questionnaire created by utilising observed phenomena affecting crew performance and the HF Tool. Results show that despite the current availability of HF knowledge, a practical shift is needed from Safety-I perspectives to the proactive and effective use of crew resources, enhanced crew competencies, unified technical solutions and procedures, and a fairer operating culture. All organisational levels in HSW organisations agreed on the areas that will need development in the future. The study's results contribute to improving the mastery of HF in the high-speed maritime sector.

Keywords: high-speed workboats; HSWs; human factors; maritime safety; crew performance; HF tool; work and organisational factors; cockpit work; high-speed maritime; crew resource management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.151130

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2025 Vol.12 No.3, pp.242 - 272

Received: 18 Mar 2025
Accepted: 30 Jun 2025
Published online: 14 Jan 2026 *

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