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Nontechnical Skills Taxonomy for Officers of the Deck
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About Nontechnical Skills Taxonomy for Officers of the Deck
Scale Name
Nontechnical Skills Taxonomy for Officers of the Deck
Author Details
Flin, R., O’Connor, P., and Crichton, M.
Translation Availability
Not Sure

Background/Description
The Nontechnical Skills Taxonomy for Officers of the Deck (OOW) was created to address the growing need for enhancing human performance in high-risk maritime environments by focusing on nontechnical skills. These skills, while not related to the technical operation of a vessel, are crucial for effective teamwork, decision-making, and safety management. Developed from research in human factors psychology, this taxonomy categorizes skills such as situational awareness, decision-making, communication, and leadership, which are essential for maintaining safe operations at sea.
With its roots in broader human factors frameworks for high-risk occupations (e.g., aviation and healthcare), this taxonomy aims to equip maritime officers with the behavioral competencies necessary to handle complex situations. It is now widely used in the training and assessment of maritime professionals, helping to standardize the skill set required for efficient and safe navigation.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the Copy: Available through maritime training organizations or safety management literature, including resources on nontechnical skills in the maritime industry.
- Purpose: To evaluate and develop critical nontechnical skills in maritime officers, focusing on safe and effective deck operations.
- Instructions: Officers are assessed on competencies like situational awareness, decision-making, and communication through simulations or real-life scenarios.
- Time: Varies depending on the type of assessment (e.g., simulations may take longer than on-the-job observations).
- Administer the Scale: This assessment is typically administered during training exercises or simulated drills, often by trained evaluators who assess behavioral responses in context.
Reliability and Validity
The taxonomy’s reliability has been supported through observational studies and scenario-based training assessments. Validity is backed by research showing that officers with higher scores on nontechnical skills exhibit better performance under stress, handle complex navigation challenges more effectively, and demonstrate improved safety outcomes. Cross-industry research supports the taxonomy’s application to maritime settings, with further evidence suggesting that well-trained nontechnical skills can reduce errors in high-stakes environments.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Flin, R., & O’Connor, P. (2017). Safety at the sharp end: a guide to non-technical skills. CRC Press.
Grech, M., Horberry, T., & Koester, T. (2008). Human factors in the maritime domain. CRC press.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nontechnical Skills Taxonomy for Officers of the Deck assess?
It evaluates crucial skills such as situational awareness, communication, decision-making, and leadership in maritime officers.
Who can benefit from this taxonomy?
The taxonomy is essential for maritime professionals, especially officers of the deck, to improve operational safety.
How is this taxonomy used?
It is employed in training programs, simulated environments, and real-life assessments to evaluate officers’ nontechnical skills.
Why are nontechnical skills important for maritime safety?
Nontechnical skills play a vital role in preventing human error, enhancing teamwork, and maintaining situational awareness, all of which are critical for maritime safety.
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