Assessment of perception of crew on habitability factors onboard naval afloat units assessment of perception of crew regarding habitability factors onboard naval afloat units

Background and Objectives: Habitability onboard a warship is multifactorial and constitutes the environment in which the crew operates and accommodates while at sea or at harbor. Maritime work environment is a complex man-machine interaction, with human being the dynamic component as the machine is mostly run by set protocols and algorithms. Efficiency of the dynamic aspect of the man machine interaction is driven by multiple correlated and interrelated factors which can be linked to the ambient and external environment in nature. This study was therefore conducted to survey upon the crew serving onboard Indian Naval Ships as to assess crew perception toward various habitability factors onboard. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study was carried on board various naval warships. A questionnaire-based analysis was conducted on 384 personnel on active duty. Results: Majority of participants agreed that habitability factors have a direct impact on their efficiency while working. Food, ventilation, and adequate living spaces are most crucial with the maximum positive impact on the crew as determined by the survey. Interpretation and Conclusion: Subsequent increase in the quality and variety of equipment with an ergonomical approach is the way forward for an efficient and happy crew. A happy and satisfied seafarer on board a ship is the pivot point to determine the efforts in place and the mission in hand.