Teamwork in the maritime traffic system has been identified as an area of concern, and reports suggest there is room for improvement. Such improvements should be based on an understanding of how everyday activities are performed. This study was therefore aimed at gaining an insight into the everyday activity of navigating and manoeuvring ships in port waters. To get such an insight, the perceptions of ship masters, maritime pilots, tug masters and Vessel Traffic Service operators active in Australia were probed through qualitative research interviews. A conceptual framework based on Clark's work on joint activity was used to guide the study. Results indicate that in order to get the job done, these maritime professionals employ tools and procedures beyond those intended to be used, vary their level of participation, assume roles which differ from those prescribed, sometimes base their assumptions and expectations on poor quality evidence, and occasionally avoid communication. While such adaptations may be necessary to get the job done, they also reduce the participants’ ability to establish common ground - which is essential for coordination.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	joint activity, maritime traffic system, teamwork, common ground
Research Division:	Psychology
Research Group:	Other psychology
Research Field:	Other psychology not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Transport
Objective Group:	Water transport
Objective Field:	Water transport not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Trygg Mansson, J (Mr Joakim Trygg Mansson)
UTAS Author:	Lutzhoft, M (Professor Margareta Lutzhoft)
UTAS Author:	Brooks, B (Associate Professor Benjamin Brooks)
ID Code:	113660
Year Published:	2017 (online first 2016)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	11
Deposited By:	Seafaring and Maritime Operations
Deposited On:	2017-01-11
Last Modified:	2017-11-13
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