Constant awareness, often referred to as situational awareness, is required in all situations where continuous vigilance is necessary to perceive, understand, and anticipate changes in the environment to make timely and appropriate decisions. This includes:
- All vessels at all hours, regardless of conditions, to maintain safety and respond to dynamic situations effectively
- High-risk environments such as aviation, law enforcement, emergency medical response, military operations, and transportation, where loss of situational awareness can lead to accidents or injuries
- Situations requiring proactive decision-making based on ongoing perception, comprehension, and projection of future status of the environment or system
- Any context where timely detection of hazards or changes is critical to prevent harm to people or property, such as search and rescue operations or healthcare emergencies
Constant awareness involves a dynamic, continuous process of gathering information, updating mental models, and adjusting actions accordingly. It is not a one-time snapshot but a persistent state of alertness and understanding of the surroundings and potential risks
