Determining the contribution of distraction factors on Malaysian seafarers using a systematic average mean value

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the distraction factors based on their contributions in affecting seafarers’ physical and psychological well-being.Design/methodology/approachA systematic average mean value technique incorporated with quantitative data collection is applied to determine the contributions of the involved factors in establishing the distraction problems among seafarers.FindingsElement of “Food and nutrition” is recorded as the highest contributing factor to Malaysian seafarers, for deck and engine department, respectively, in establishing the distraction-related problem among five other factors involved.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is only providing a scope of knowledge regarding the contribution of potential distraction factors existing on board the offshore ships. However, the potential distraction factors and their contributions, respectively, are very dynamic and may vary, depending on the situation of a particular area and who are being involved.Practical implicationsThe result assists the shipping industry in recognizing the actual causes of the occurrences of marine casualties and incidents related to human factors.Social implicationsThe benefits are addressed to seafarers’ community where their well-being and work performances could be enhanced, thus reducing the occurrences of marine casualties and incidents. Local community at the shores also will be less threatened by marine pollution caused by the accidents of ships at sea.Originality/valueThe result provides a scope of knowledge regarding distraction-related factors in shipboard operation and also the introduction to a systematic assessment approach to determine and rank the parameters by using the systematic average mean value technique which is also a straightforward method and can be applied in any other circumstances.