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Human Element

  • Overview

The Human Element Working Group (HEWG) strives to improve safety and operational efficiency and reduce the risk of operational incidents by educating and informing members of the maritime community of the significance of the human element in all aspects of marine engineering, science and technology. 

HEWG informs IMarEST members through papers, articles, IMarEST TV recordings and discussions. Through discussions with the IMO, the UK government and other NGO's, the HEWG aims to influence the industry. Additionally, this SIG improves knowledge and promotes the development of original thoughts through 'focus areas' where members are able to collaborate and share ideas. 

If you are interested in joining the group, sign into the MyIMarEST member portal and select the group from the list.

HEWG webinar 06_03_24  THUMBNAIL.webp
06 Apr 2024

WEBINAR: Shipping, Automation and the Environment: The Increasing (Not Decreasing) Importance of Human Factors

A webinar from the Human Element SIG.

IMarEST TV
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06 Jan 2024

LECTURE: The Use of Human Error in the Shipping Industry: A Digression in Error?

A lecture from the Human Element Working Group.

IMarEST TV
05 Dec 2023

Update - Letter to the SIG

SIG News
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25 Oct 2023

Ergonomics and Human Factors 2024

Members are invited to take part in April 2024.

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25 Oct 2023

International Maritime Human Factors Symposium 2023

HEWG members are encouraged to attend in Glasgow.

12 Mar 2020

Polar Regions – The Human Element

SIG News

 

      

SIG officers

Dr Malek Pourzanjani CEng CMarEng FIMarEST

Chair

Mr Alexander Walster CMarTech FIMarEST

Chair

External links

  • Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors
  • SEAbrary
  • Alert! Project
  • Human Element Industry Group

Upcoming events

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Free External
20 October 2025

Engineering on Tap

An event by the MarEST & RINA Western Joint Branch.

Branch event Bath
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External
21 October 2025

Surface Autonomy Testing & Challenges

A joint event by IMarEST's Eastern USA Branch, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), the Society of Marine Port Engineers (SMPE), and the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE).

Branch event New York
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Free External
21 October 2025

Safety Management Systems for Ships Using Ammonia as a Fuel

An event by the IMarEST & RINA Southern Joint Branch

Branch event Southampton
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External
23 October 2025

The Rough Field Past & Present

An event by IMarEST's Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Branch

Branch event Hull
About IMarEST

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