RP 603 – Investigate the suitability and effectiveness of systems used to recruit Merchant Navy Officers

This research was conducted to identify and assess the suitability and effectiveness of selection methodologies used for the recruitment of merchant navy Officers. In particular to achieve the aims of the research project it was necessary to establish, where reasonably practicable, the effectiveness of various selection processes with specific focus on candidates who have the ability, aptitude, technical skills and knowledge, together with the necessary personality and psychological attributes, to manage a life at sea.

The maritime industry was benchmarked as far as possible with other industries which could be considered to have a “Safety Critical” element in their operation. The broad areas investigated included:

• Establishing the effectiveness of selection methodologies to include assessment of ability, aptitude, knowledge, technical skill, personality and psychological characteristics;
• Identifying and critically evaluating selection and recruitment methodologies employed in other safety critical industries (e.g. aviation, rail, nuclear, military);
• Evaluation of the personal characteristics required within the industry for cadets to become a competent officer and the level of consistency across the industry in determining these characteristics at the
• recruitment stage;
• Examination of the type and level of selection processes used in the industry both currently and historically.

Download a copy for the report of RP 603 here