The 2025 International Maritime Human Factors Symposium (IMHFS) has once again proven its value as a pivotal event for the maritime industry, reinforcing the critical role of human factors in shaping safety outcomes. Held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow from 3–5 December, the symposium gathered researchers, industry leaders, regulators, and maritime professionals to delve into the latest evidence-based approaches that link human factors to maritime safety.
This year’s symposium featured 50 speakers from across the maritime spectrum, delivering insightful presentations on how human-centred design, operational culture, and emerging technologies are reshaping safety practices. The event underscored the diversity and complexity of today’s human-factor challenges, with eight focused sessions demonstrating how these factors can serve as an accelerator for safer, more sustainable maritime systems, rather than a compliance burden.
Key sessions included:
* **Maritime Education and Training**, chaired by Malek Pourzanjani, SAIMI
* **Autonomy, Automation & HF**, chaired by Dave Watkins, CHIRP Maritime
* **Well-being and Mental Health**, chaired by Simon Grainge, ISWAN
* **Safety Learning / Accident Investigation**, chaired by Deepak Gupta, Oldendorff Carriers
* **Human Factors in Design**, chaired by Tor Svensen, RCCL
* **Assuring Human Performance**, chaired by Adam Parnell, CHIRP Maritime
* **Decarbonisation and Human Factors**, chaired by Martin White, Stream Marine Group
* **Maritime Safety Culture**, chaired by Adrian Kawaguchi, MCA
The symposium highlighted several key takeaways that are set to shape the future of maritime safety:
**Human Factors Must Lead the Way**
Speakers consistently emphasised that human factors are the foundation of safe and resilient maritime operations, particularly amid rapid shifts in decarbonization, digitalization, automation, and alternative fuels. “Human factors must come before safety,” was a recurring theme, underscoring the need to prioritise people in all safety strategies.
**Modern Training, Competence, and Leadership Are Essential**
The need to modernise maritime education through competence-based learning, mentoring, soft-skills development, and human-centred leadership was strongly emphasised. Moving beyond outdated “tick-box” standards, the focus is now on equipping seafarers with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate an increasingly complex maritime environment.
**Crew Wellbeing and Mental Health Directly Influence Safety**
Sessions showcased tools, training, and partnerships designed to boost morale, support social interaction onboard, and address sensitive issues such as suicide prevention. “Crew wellbeing is not just about comfort; it’s a critical component of operational safety,” noted Simon Grainge, ISWAN. The symposium highlighted the vital link between seafarer welfare and the overall safety of maritime operations.
**Technology Must Support Real Human Needs**
From AI and VR to control-room ergonomics and Port State Control (PSC) insights, experts stressed that technology improves safety only when it accounts for genuine human capabilities, limitations, and operational realities. “Technology should augment human performance, not replace it,” said Dave Watkins, CHIRP Maritime. This approach ensures that technological advancements are aligned with the practical needs of seafarers, enhancing rather than complicating their roles.
**A Call for Ethical, Resilient, and Aligned Safety Leadership**
Panels underscored the importance of learning from incidents, applying humanistic ethics, advancing resilience-based leadership, modernising ISM frameworks, and improving global coordination. “Safety leadership must be ethical, resilient, and aligned with the real-world challenges faced by seafarers,” stated Adrian Kawaguchi, MCA. This call to action highlights the need for a holistic approach to safety that encompasses ethical considerations, resilience, and global cooperation.
The event was supported by Stream Marine Training (Platinum Sponsor), Ever Ocean and Oldendorff Carriers (Gold Sponsors), and CHIRP Maritime and V.Group (Silver Sponsors). The second day concluded with a dinner at the Merchant House of Glasgow, sponsored by Chartworld Shipping Corporation.
The 4th IMHFS was jointly organised by the University of Strathclyde, Chalmers University of Technology, The Nautical Institute, National Technical University of Athens, Istanbul Technical University, Inmarsat, CHIRP, World Maritime University, MLA College, BRIN – National Research and Innovation Agency, IMarEST, and Wuhan University of Technology, with SAFETY4SEA serving as media partner.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the insights and discussions from the 2025 IMHFS will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future developments. The symposium’s emphasis on human-centred approaches, modern training, crew wellbeing, and ethical leadership provides a roadmap for enhancing maritime safety