How do socio-cultural differences generate inter-personnel conflicts and affect safety management on board?

flowchart TD
    A["Socio-cultural differences"] --> B["Inter-personnel conflicts"]
    A --> C["Degrades safety management"]
    B --> D["Language & meaning"]
    B --> E["Hierarchy & authority gradient"]
    B --> F["Communication style"]
    B --> G["Work norms & fairness"]
    C --> H["Orders misunderstood"]
    C --> I["Concerns not raised"]
    C --> J["Reporting dries up"]
    C --> K["Latent conditions created"]

• Trap: Differences are normal; hazard arises from poor management, not differences themselves.
• SOLAS V/14 mandates a working language recorded in the log-book and English for bridge safety communications.
• ISM Code requires SMS info in a language crew understand (6.6) and effective communication (6.7).
• MLC 2006 Standard A5.1.5 mandates on-board grievance procedures with safeguards against victimization.
• Closed-loop communication and flattened authority gradient mitigate conflicts.
• Indian Maritime Labour Rules 2016 enforce 3-day and 7-day resolution limits.