AHP-Based Evaluation of Core Non-Technical Skills for Seafarers in Maritime Operations

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 3, 216 - 228, 01.09.2025

Ali Cem Kuzu , Umut Taç

https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1703538

Abstract

As digital technologies and automation continue to reshape the maritime industry, the focus is gradually shifting from technical to non-technical skills among seafarers. With machines increasingly taking over routine operational tasks, competencies such as communication, decision-making, and situational awareness are becoming essential for safe and effective shipboard operations. This study investigates the role of non-technical skills in maritime transportation by drawing on insights from expert consultations and a systematic review of academic literature. Through this dual approach, five core competencies were identified as particularly relevant to safe and effective shipboard operations: teamwork, communication, situational awareness, decision-making, and leadership. To assess the relative importance of these competencies, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed, enabling structured prioritization based on expert judgments. This method provided a clear understanding of which non-technical skills are most critical in contemporary maritime contexts. Results highlight situational awareness as the most critical non-technical skill, underlining its importance in dynamic and high-risk environments. The findings offer practical guidance for maritime training providers and organizations aiming to improve crew development, recruitment, and operational safety through a more targeted focus on non-technical skills.

Keywords

AHP , Human factor , Multi criteria decision making , Non-technical skills

Ethical Statement

No ethics committee permission is required for this study.

Denizcilik Operasyonlarında Denizcilerin Temel Teknik Olmayan Becerilerinin AHP Tabanlı Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Dijital teknolojiler ve otomasyon denizcilik sektörünü yeniden şekillendirmeye devam ederken, denizciler arasında odak noktası giderek teknik becerilerden teknik olmayan becerilere kaymaktadır. Makinelerin rutin operasyonel görevleri giderek daha fazla devralmasıyla birlikte iletişim, karar verme ve durumsal farkındalık gibi yetkinlikler emniyetli ve etkili gemi operasyonları için gerekli hale gelmektedir. Bu çalışma, uzman görüşlerinden ve akademik literatürün sistematik bir incelemesinden elde edilen çıkarımlardan yararlanarak deniz taşımacılığında teknik olmayan becerilerin rolünü araştırmaktadır. Bu bağlamda emniyetli ve etkili gemi operasyonlarıyla ilgili olarak ekip çalışması, iletişim, durumsal farkındalık, karar verme ve liderlik olmak üzere beş temel yetkinlik belirlenmiştir. Bu yetkinliklerin göreceli önemini değerlendirmek için, uzman değerlendirmelerine dayalı yapılandırılmış bir önceliklendirme sağlayan Analitik Hiyerarşi Süreci (AHP) yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bu yöntem, denizcilik operasyonlarında teknik olmayan becerilerin önem ağırlıklandırmalarının analitik bir şekilde anlaşılmasını sağlamıştır. Çalışmanın sonuçları, durumsal farkındalığın en kritik teknik olmayan beceri olduğunu vurgulayarak dinamik ve yüksek riskli bir ortam barındıran denizcilik operasyonlarında bu kriterin öneminin altını çizmektedir. Ayrıca, bu çalışmanın çıktıları denizcilerin teknik olmayan becerilerinin geliştirilmesi, istihdam süreçlerinin iyileştirilmesi ve denizcilikte operasyonel güvenliğin artırılması için bir rehber niteliği teşkil etmektedir.

Keywords

AHP , İnsan faktörü , Çok kriterli karar verme , Teknik olmayan beceriler

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