Team resilience in maritime emergency response: analytical framework and implications from accident report analysis

Maritime accidents keep a rate of 3,200 p.a. with some two-thirds involving damage/loss to ships and/or crew, according to EMSA (2018). This study develops an analytical framework to identify the factors influential to team resilience in maritime accidents. The framework is then applied to evaluate team resilience and performance in two ship accidents. The analysis found communication and coordination are some of the critical factors in onboard teams' emergency response. This is traced back to bridge resources management (BRM) training and its effectiveness in improving onboard team performance and leadership. The effect of team-related factors such as unity and culture, on team resilience is also highlighted.