Maritime Crew Resource Management

Maritime Crew Resource Management (MCRM) is the new name we have given to our original Bridge Resource Management (BRM) course which was developed by SAS Flight Academy (now part of the OAA Group). MCRM courses include combined training for bridge and engine room officers

The course was developed based on the principles of aviation crew resource management training. In 1990, we presented the safety benefits of human factors training to the IMO which we believe helped contribute to the IMO recommending such training being a core component of crew safety training. Since the courses inception, approximately 20,000 crew have been trained using the BRM / MCRM material making it the most widely recognised and reputable course within the industry.

MCRM teaches marine crew members the same key human factors methodologies which have been tried and tested in the aviation industry but tailored to the shipping world by incorporating accident case studies and bridge and engine room management interaction film clips etc. Our Human Factor Team continuously reviews Maritime HF issues and is in a constant dialogue with the maritime industry to make sure our courses reflect industry needs. All courses delivered by Oxford Aviation use very experienced instructors with an extensive maritime background.

1. 1. Human Performance and Limitations
2. 2. Attitudes
3. 3. Situational Awareness
4. 4. Cultural Awareness
5. 5. Communication and Briefings
6. 6. Authority and Assertiveness     *
7. 7. Challenge and Response
8. 8. Short Term Strategy
9. 9. Workload

1. 10. Humans and Automation
2. 11. Team State
3. 12. Error Management
4. 13. Leadership Styles
5. 14. Decision Management
6. 15. Crisis Management
7. 16. Crowd Management
8. 17. Critical Incident Debriefing

Major CBT upgrade. Release date August 2010

For an annual fee, OAA provide a complete package of MCRM training materials on licence to shipping companies and training organisations around the world.

Licence support requires, Work Shop Leader initial / Refresher training and quality tools.

To view a sample chapter from the CBT program click here

OAA provide the following training courses at any of the OAA training centres worldwide or at customer locations.

Full MCRM training course (4 days)

Includes BRM principles as outlined in section B-V111/2, Part 3-1 of the STWC code

We have been running bespoke training courses for a number of years for major shipping companies who want OAA to train their employees on MCRM. A typical MCRM course is a four day course for 10-12 participants and incorporates computer based training (CBT), briefing sessions, group discussions and case study reviews. We can run a number of courses for a particular company over any period. Case studies are tailored for an individual company to their exact circumstances and requirements. MCRM courses can include simulator modules.

Engine Resource Management (3 days)

This course was recently developed and launched by OAA and it specifically addresses the behaviour and attitudes which can lead to human error in control and engine rooms. Similar to accidents on the deck, research shows that the majority of engine room accidents – with both person and machinery damage – are related to human behaviour. The course is a 2 to 3 day course typically run for 10-12 participants and incorporates presentation based teaching from our instructors, case study analysis, situation / role play and group discussions

Crisis and Crowd Management (3 days)

This course is an expanded version of the standard Crisis and Crowd Management modules within the OAA MCRM course and has extended role play and a media module. The course meets STCW standards and is approved by the Swedish Maritime Administration

MCRM refresher training for crew who have already conducted MCRM training (2-3 days)

We also provide MCRM refresher training for those who have already undertaken initial MCRM training. This is a shorter course – typically over 2 or 3 days - with new additional material incorporated into the course to enhance understanding of MCRM content.

MCRM Workshop Leader (4 days)

An in depth course covering all MCRM course components, science behind OAA MCRM and motivation for the methodological model. Facilitation and Presentational skills.

MCRM Superintendents (4-5 days)

In order to be able to enhance and assess MCRM’s implementation in the organisation those people tasked with the role of monitoring and developing operator competence (the superintendents) need to have a deeper knowledge of human factors science, improved skill in observation and analysis, more highly developed facilitation & coaching skills and not least a standardised shared mental model of what to examine in the real world, and how to examine what is going on.

MCRM Information (1-2 days)

A short course for senior management to enable understanding of the aims and deliverables of the Initial MCRM course

BISC (4 days)

A course aimed at simulator instructors focusing on simulator use, feedback, facilitation, presentation skills, standardization, observation – simulator plus and minus

MCRM Command (2-3 days)

A higher level of MCRM aimed at senior officers (Chief officer, Master, 1st Engineer, Chief engineer) focusing on Leadership, Decision making, Coaching & Feedback, Error management, Risk & Threat

MCRM AB (1 day)

A course focused on ratings aimed at giving them an understanding of MCRM ideas and basic training in the use of key tools thereby generating a shared understanding and acceptance of such tools and concepts throughout the vessel.

The OAA team of MCRM instructors are led by Adam Cowburn ( Chief MCRM instructor ) and Thomas Gunnarsson ( Head Of Instructor Standards ). Both are widely recognized leading human factor experts and trainers in the industry. Adam Cowburn is a behavioral scientist with 20 years experience in analysis and training in aviation, shipping, medicine, security and safety. Thomas is a master mariner, retired Commander of the Royal Swedish Navy and a master Swedish icebreaker for both the merchant and military navy. His 20 year experience includes numerous operational positions at sea and in control centres.