Structuring of the terminological apparatus used in the analysis of the influence of the human factor on the safety of navigation

A literature review addressing the issue of the human factor has been conducted. A representative sample was compiled, with its completeness determined by the criterion of the absence of new interpretations of the term "human factor." A list of definitions for the term "human factor" was compiled, highlighting that different sources assign varying meanings to this concept. Each definition contains a fundamental judgment. A classification of these judgments was carried out, identifying five groups: human errors, characteristics of professional activity, characteristics of a person, structural aspects, and the importance and complexity of the research subject. It is concluded that the studied topic—human activity in performing professional tasks—can be described using terms such as "human element," "human factor," "successful professional activity," "human factors," "individual psychological traits," "physical and social environment," and "human condition." Definitions were formulated for each term. A structural-logical scheme illustrating the interconnections between these concepts was proposed. As the most general concept, it is suggested to use "human element" as an essential part (element) of a complex system, specifically a complex technical device—a vessel—representing human manifestations in professional activity. The spectrum of such manifestations is extensive, forming a continuum. At one pole are human "errors" (the human factor), while the other pole lacks a universally recognized term; therefore, it is proposed to use "successful professional activity." The driving forces behind human manifestations in professional activity are human factors, encompassing individual psychological traits, physical and social environments, and the condition of the specialist executing them. The proposed structural-logical scheme enables more precise formulation of scientific objectives whose solutions will enhance navigation safety by accounting for the human element.