In maritime organizations, effective shore-based leaders often have significant onboard experience, allowing them to understand the complexities of life at sea. Roles such as Designated Persons Ashore (DPA) and Port Captains are filled by individuals who can bridge the gap between shore operations and vessel realities. This gap can widen as organizations grow, necessitating structured training to help shore teams think like mariners.
The disconnect arises not from intent but from differing focuses: shore teams prioritize compliance and efficiency, while mariners prioritize safety and operational constraints. Shore staff may underestimate the time and challenges of tasks at sea, leading to decisions that, while reasonable on land, can be impractical or risky onboard. Training that exposes shore personnel to real maritime scenarios helps align these perspectives, fostering empathy and practical judgment.
Effective training programs should utilize scenario-based exercises that reflect real vessel operations, encouraging shore teams to consider the operational consequences of their decisions. Analyzing incidents caused by misaligned assumptions can further enhance understanding, emphasizing that compliance must be contextualized within operational realities.
Ultimately, building a culture of two-way training enhances collaboration between shore and ship, improving decision-making and safety. Continuous training efforts ensure that shore decisions are informed by the realities of vessel operations, fostering a supportive environment for crews at sea.
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