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).

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 management interaction film clips etc.

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

* Sample of chapter available, see below

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

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)

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.

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.

Adam Cowburn and Thomas Gunnarsson are two of the most experienced and knowledgeable trainers in the industry. Adam Cowburn is our Chief MCRM instructor and is a behavioral scientist with 20 years experience in analysis and training in aviation, shipping, medicine, security and safety.