Not the hallmark of a professional mariner
Some time ago, the United Kingdom's Chief Inspector of Accidents reported that one of his greatest concerns for safety in merchant vessels was complacency. Some suggested that his statement was an affront to the professional mariner, while others conceded that it was a serious issue to be addressed.
The word ‘complacency’ has negative connotations, but it is not intended to be derogatory when used in this context; we are referring to the natural human response to a very familiar situation.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘complacent’ as ‘smug and uncritically satisfied with oneself or one’s achievements’. Mao Zedong said simply: Complacency is the enemy of study.
