Evaluation of Crew Resource Management Implementation in Nigerian-Flagged Tanker Operations

Crew resource management principles, derived from aviation safety practice, are increasingly recognised as essential tools for managing the human factors that contribute to maritime accidents. This study evaluates the extent and effectiveness of crew resource management implementation aboard Nigerian-flagged crude oil tankers operating in the Gulf of Guinea and international trades. A professional review methodology was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to forty tanker officers and crew, supplemented by interviews with five maritime safety management consultants and review of tanker safety management system records. The study assesses the quality of bridge team management, engine room team coordination, situation awareness practices, and inter-departmental communication patterns. Findings indicate that formal crew resource management training has been received by fewer than thirty-five percent of respondents, with exposure primarily occurring through brief onboard orientations rather than simulator-based training. Situational awareness failures and communication breakdowns are identified in incident reports as contributing factors in three of the five tanker near-miss events reviewed. Cultural factors, including hierarchical deference to senior officers and reluctance to challenge decisions openly, are identified as significant barriers to effective crew resource management. Recommendations include mandatory simulator-based crew resource management training for all tanker officers, incorporation of crew resource management assessment into revalidation of certification procedures, and senior officer coaching in creating psychologically safe bridge and engine room environments. Keywords: crew resource management, tanker operations, human factors, maritime safety, bridge team management