# Estimating the Human Error Probability during Lifeboat Drills
## 4 Discussion
Hence, confirmation should be received from the lifeboat coxswin that the lifeboat crew is ready for the recovery (since control of the recovery is performed from the ship deck). Furthermore, utilising the BN-SLIM showed that task T4.4--Confirming the release lever is properly rested and hooks locked is the one with the highest HEP, which is also confirmed by the real-life case where an accident occurred because the lifeboat crew members did not confirm (or more accurately, did not know how to) that the release lever was properly rested and the hooks were locked. Special attention should be given to this task, and shipboard leadership should ensure that lifeboat crew members have good theoretical and practical knowledge of using lifeboats, especially lifeboat hooks. Additional training should be introduced to improve safety and improve the learning process. Such training could also be virtual [39], where lifeboat hook operation would be exercised without fear of injuries or fatalities. The most sensitive PSFs, according to the BN-SLIM results, are Crew Competence and the design and condition of equipment. Hence, adequate familiarisation with LSA on board immediately after embarking on a ship and adequately performing education and training in maritime training institutions could serve as a good base for competency. Further training onboard a ship is needed to develop additional skills and gain knowledge and experience in using LSA to improve safety. Furthermore, equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained according to company maintenance procedures. Only experienced and knowledgeable officers should be in charge of inspection and maintenance to prevent possible equipment deficiencies and breakdowns. In addition, if the design of the lifeboat or some part of its equipment affects safety, it should be reported to the company. Lifeboat and lifeboat equipment manuals should be on board and refer to equipment presently on board, and obsolete equipment manuals should be immediately removed from the ship. As lifeboat drill tasks and subtasks with the highest probability of human error are identified in this research, they could be used in practise to improve safety. The findings of this research could serve to improve existing risk assessments for gravity lifeboat drills onboard ships. Furthermore, adopting the proposed measures for improving identified PSFs could be included in shipboard policies and procedures to reduce the number of lifeboat accidents. Therefore, the practical implication of our research findings is that focusing on tasks with the highest HEP and most sensitive PSFs while performing risk assessments for gravity lifeboat drills could improve the safety of lifeboat drills. Safety officers should ensure that the risks connected with lifeboat recovery are mitigated and acceptable. However, during the drill, procedures should be closely followed, and any inconsistencies should be avoided. All possible issues should be noted in the risk assessment review and discussed during safety meetings on board. Corrective measures and safety barriers should be developed and implemented to avoid possible incidents during lifeboat drills.