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Commercial Pressure Versus Perceived Pressure in the Seafaring World

By: Rogelio Arcega Jr. M.M.

Commercial pressure versus perceived pressure in the seafaring world is an important distinction
that can significantly impact the well-being and safety of seafarers. While commercial pressure is
driven by external factors such as profit maximization and meeting tight schedules, perceived
pressure is the internal pressure that seafarers “feel” (subjective) to fulfill their responsibilities and
meet the expectations that “may” (not all) have set by their employers and colleagues.

Commercial pressure in the seafaring industry is primarily driven by the need to generate profits.
Shipping companies face intense competition and strive to deliver goods on time to maintain their
reputation and secure future contracts. This pressure often leads to the imposition of unrealistic
deadlines and the expectation for seafarers to work long hours without adequate rest. The pursuit of
profit can compromise safety as crews may be forced to cut corners, neglect proper maintenance, or
hire less experienced crew members to reduce costs.

On the other hand, perceived pressure is the psychological burden that seafarers experience due to
the expectations “may be” placed upon them by their employers, colleagues and even themselves.
Seafarers take pride in their work and feel a sense of responsibility to ensure the smooth operation
of the vessel and the timely delivery of goods. This perceived pressure can lead to seafarers pushing
themselves beyond their limits, working longer hours, and sacrificing rest and personal well-being to
meet the demands of their job (Of course if must be within the boundaries of MLC required Hours
of Rest).

Both commercial pressure and perceived pressure can have adverse effects on the safety of
seafarers. Commercial pressure can lead to fatigue, inadequate training, and a lack of resources, all
of which increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Unrealistic deadlines and the need to cut costs
can compromise safety protocols and result in poorly maintained vessels or insufficient safety
equipment.

Perceived pressure, although internal, can also contribute to compromising safety. The desire to
meet expectations and avoid disappointing others can lead seafarers to ignore safety signs of fatigue
or stress, pushing themselves to work when they should be resting. This can impair their cognitive
abilities, reaction times, and decision-making skills, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
To address these issues, it is crucial for shipping companies and industry organizations to recognize
and manage both commercial pressure and perceived pressure in the seafaring world. Companies
should prioritize safety over profit and ensure that realistic schedules and proper resources are
provided to seafarers. Adequate rest periods and regular training programs should be implemented
to mitigate the risks of fatigue and inadequate skills.