Volume 6 Issue 4
April 4, 2026
IJSESM2604212
ISSN: 3156-2981
Review on Effects of Human Error in Machinery Systems Reliability
Author(s)
Azubuike John Chuku
Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University,
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Wilson Ohwedor Ovuakpo
Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University,
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Aggrey Purity Chizhinwe
Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University,
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Article Information
DOI:
Subject Category:
Technology
Volume/Issue:
Volume 6 Issue 4
Article Pages:
22
Abstract
This review critically examines the impact of human error on the reliability of marine machinery systems. Marine operations have continued to face the challenge of human error in the reliability of their machinery systems despite tremendous advances in sophisticated propulsion systems, computerized monitoring systems, integrated automation systems, and digital alarm systems. Despite the tremendous advances in the field of marine systems, human error is the dominant factor affecting the reliability of machinery systems in the maritime field. It is estimated that human error contributes to between 60% to 80% of maritime incidents. By employing the theories of human error as proposed by various researchers in the field of human factors in the maritime field, including the Swiss Cheese Model of Human Error as proposed by Reason, the Skill Rule Knowledge (SR-K) Framework as proposed by Rasmussen, Norman's Theory of Action, Dekker's New View of Human Error, and Hollnagel's Functional Resonance Analysis Method, the review seeks to critically examine the concept of human error as a product of various system failures in the operational structures. The review is divided into five chapters. Chapter One defines the research problem by showing that human error in marine machine systems is not a matter of chance but rather a predictable outcome of the interactions between humans, tasks, technology, and organizational factors. Chapter Two conducts a comprehensive literature survey to discuss the theoretical foundations of the research on human error, the unique characteristics of the marine engineering working environment with high temperatures, constant levels of noise, long watchkeeping hours, and psychosocial stressors, as well as the application of the THERP, CREAM, and ATHEANA techniques for the analysis of human error. Chapter Three suggests analytical models for the classification and analysis of human error in marine machine systems by applying the Rasmussen S-R-K framework to classify slips/lapses as skill-based errors, mistakes as rule-based errors, and knowledge-based errors with examples from the marine industry and the consideration of PSFs and EPCs. Key findings indicate that although skill-based errors occur most frequently, rule-based errors occurring during maintenance activities and knowledge-based errors occurring during troubleshooting pose the greatest long-term threat to machine reliability. Primary causal factors for machine failures include training issues, fatigue from commercial demands and reduced crewing, procedural issues, and design issues. Additionally, the trend of increasing automation in the industry also creates a dual threat by not only reducing workload and error rates but also creating novel failure modes that can contribute to human error, including out-of the-loop syndrome, automation bias, and opacification. The review establishes that to achieve high reliability in marine machinery systems, a socio-technical approach that incorporates the integration of human factors engineering throughout the entire lifecycle of the ship, from design to construction, operation, maintenance, and finally decommissioning, is necessary. The recommendations include policy improvements to enhance the human element focus of ISM Code audits, fatigue management strategies, investment in simulator-based training, the use of human-centered design, and the creation of tools to apply HRA to marine machinery systems. This review is important to improve maritime safety, efficiency, and environmental protection by providing a framework to understand and mitigate human error in marine machinery systems.
Keyword
Marine Industries, Fuel Systems, Machinery Systems
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How to Cite
Chuku, A. J., Ovuakpo, W. O., Chizhinwe, A. P., Ugochukwu, S. E., & Precious, O. H. (2026). Review on effects of human error in machinery systems reliability. International Journal of Sustainability in Engineering, Science and Management, 6(4), 1–22. https://www.ijsesm.org
Chuku, Azubuike John, et al. “Review on Effects of Human Error in Machinery Systems Reliability.” International Journal of Sustainability in Engineering, Science and Management, vol. 6, no. 4, Apr. 2026, pp. 1–22. IJSESM, www.ijsesm.org
Chuku, A.J., Ovuakpo, W.O., Chizhinwe, A.P., Ugochukwu, S.E. and Precious, O.H., 2026. Review on effects of human error in machinery systems reliability. International Journal of Sustainability in Engineering, Science and Management, 6(4), pp.1–22. Available at: https://www.ijsesm.org