What does "crew resource management" refer to?

Crew resource management refers to an approach that focuses on enhancing safety and operational effectiveness by improving teamwork and decision-making among the crew. This concept emerged from the aviation industry and has significant applications in maritime operations, particularly on tankers where the working environment can be complex and high-pressure.

The essence of crew resource management is to foster a team-oriented atmosphere where all members are encouraged to participate in decision-making processes, share critical information, and support one another to ensure safe and efficient operations. This includes recognizing the psychological and social aspects of working in teams, such as communication, situational awareness, and leadership.

While managing crew schedules and workloads, training on emergency procedures, and tracking performance ratings are certainly important aspects of crew management, they do not encompass the broader concept of crew resource management. The key focus of crew resource management is the interpersonal skills, collaboration, and cognitive strategies that contribute to better decision-making and safety outcomes in challenging situations.