Asian Science
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Abstract: At its 20th session in November 1997, the IMO Assembly adopted resolution A.850 (20) on the
human element vision, principles and goals for the organization. The resolution recalled a previous resolution
(A.680 (17)) which invited governments to encourage those responsible for the management and operation of
ships to develop, implement and assess safety and pollution prevention management systems and another
(A.772 (18)), concerning fatigue factors in manning and safety which aims at increasing awareness of the
complexity of fatigue and encourages all parties involved in ship operations to take these factors into account
when making operational decisions. The resolution acknowledged the need for increased focus on
human-related activities in the safe operation of ships and the need to achieve and maintain high standards of
safety and environmental protection for the purpose of significantly reducing maritime casualties. The
resolution was updated by resolution A.947 (23) human element vision, principles and goals for the organization
adopted by the 23rd Assembly in November-December 2003. Through this study researcher would like to draw
attention to three aspects of significance. First to recall the human element vision, principles and goals for the
organization, next to review some of major maritime disasters that had taken place in the last century in order
to highlight on the role of human element that led to such disasters and then to focus on the needfor sustained
and progressive training essentially to the seagoing component of human element in order to overcome the
challenges posted by the dizzying rate of change in technology.