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Doctoral dissertation on mastery of human factors in high–speed maritime, University of Vaasa
My research focuses on supporting system performance and operational safety in safety-critical environments through the systemic mastery of human factors (HF). I am particularly interested in high-speed workboat and vessel operations, where demanding operational conditions, workload, technology, teamwork, and organisational factors interact to influence performance and safety.
The theoretical framework of my research draws on the Safety-I–Safety-II paradigm shift in safety research and on a systemic understanding of HF. My research combines perspectives from HF, safety science and Resilience engineering.
I completed my doctoral dissertation at the University of Vaasa and defended it in June 2026. The dissertation examined how the mastery of HF can support system performance and operational safety in high-speed workboat cockpit operations.
Lehtimäki, M. (2026). Supporting the high-speed workboat cockpit work operations with the mastery of human factors : how to ensure the system performance and safety? [Doctoral dissertation, University of Vaasa]. Osuva. Available at Osuva
The dissertation consists of four sub-studies. Three articles were published in peer-reviewed journals, and the fourth manuscript was under review as part of the doctoral examination process.
Lehtimäki, M., & Teperi, A. M. (2025). Human factor analysis of cockpit work incidents in high-speed workboats: the mystery hidden between the lines. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2024.2445979
Available at Tandfonline
Lehtimäki, M., & Teperi, A. M. (2025). Developing behavioural markers of high-speed workboat crews’ competencies. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2025.2499338
Available at Tandfonline
Lehtimäki, M., & Teperi, A. M. (2025). Supporting high-speed workboat crew performance with the blunt–end human factors. International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics. 12(3):242–272. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHFE.2025.151130
Available at InderscienceOnline
Lehtimäki, M., & Teperi, A. M. Workload in cockpit work on high-speed workboats: How to improve crew performance. Under review.
I would thank the following foundations for their invaluable support:
Funder of work research and development (2024–2025)
Finnish Maritime Foundation (2024)
Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation (2023–2024)
Foundation for the Promotion of Fisheries and Maritime Education (2023)
Finnish Cultural Foundation South Ostrobothnia (2022–2023)
Otto A. Malm Foundation (2022)
Finnish Cultural Foundation South Ostrobothnia (2021–2022)
Coastal and Freshwater Traffic Foundation (2022)
Gustav B. Thorden Foundation (2021)
Development of human factors, Finnish Lifeboat Institution, 2010-
The author has been a leading expert for a long time in developing the management of human factors in the cockpit work of high-speed rescue boats in the Finnish Lifeboat Institution. Today, the organisation trains uniform operating methods in simulation environments and develops the management of human factors at different levels of the organization.
Previous roles in the development path:
Safety and accident investigation
Design of an electric chart software
Design of a checklist software
Development of the use of checklists
Development of simulation environments
Primary instructor of Bridge Resource Management
The development of standard operating procedures for cockpit work
Comparative study on leadership styles and threat/error management in safety-critical environments, University of Vaasa (master´s thesis), 2020
In a master´s thesis, the impact of leadership styles on sharp-end threat and error management (TEM) in three safety-critical work environments was compared (maritime rescue helicopter aviation, specialized medical care, and maritime rescue). Leadership styles were studied in relation to TEM. The master's thesis concluded that optimizing sharp-end TEM requires skillful variation of hierarchical and shared leadership. The demanding task of a leader is to choose a method based on the maturity of the team, the prevailing situation, the object of the work, and the leader's leadership. All operators should be trained in pivotal non-technical competencies and technical skills. This requires resources and the commitment of the organization. In safety-critical environments, mutual trust, interactivity, and appreciation among the personnel are necessary to develop the "last line of defense" and continuous team/crew cooperation.
Occupational safety and health of paramedics in sea area operations, 2020
A comprehensive risk assessment was carried out for the Ostrobothnia Rescue Department on the work of paramedics in sea area operations. The work was related to the 78th TSPK Occupational Safety and Health Manager's course module of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.