Human Factor Studies
Human factors research in the marine field has become a primary interest for the Centre for Marine Simulation. The Centre has completed numerous studies in the area of motion induced interruptions, motion sickness, and integrated bridge designs and how these factors affect a mariners cognitive and physical performance and situational awareness, the ability of a mariner to complete assigned tasks efficiently and the probability or risk of injury on the job.
The Centre works with various organizations, nationally and internationally, to improve simulation capabilities to support this research and to enhance the understanding of the key human factor issues such as cognitive performance (such as decision making under stress), ergonomics (the man-machine interface), and organizational factors (such as procedures).
The following are examples of research projects:
Investigated optimal display colours for automatic identification systems and added motion as a secondary study to determine if motion changed the way users searched for targets on the display system.
Assessed the feasibility of controlling the motions of the bridge simulator to achieve a moderate severity of motion sickness for a sustainable time. The secondary goal was to examine the reliability of self-assessment of performance effects that may be experienced by the subjects.
A reliable method for future testing was developed.
Investigated the impacts of motion on the ability of mariners to use digital selective calling radios.
Tested the null hypothesis that moderate sea sickness symptomatology has no effect on the accuracy of estimating task duration.
Evaluated the changes in body core temperature with respect to motion sickness and investigated the use of drugs in suppressing the changes in body temperature.
Investigated whether visuals enhanced the learning environment for dynamic positioning training.
Determined the influence of motion, noise and vibration on the situational awareness of watchkeeping officers performing complex navigation tasks and evaluated the design of integrated navigation systems to assess their influences upon watchkeeper situational awareness in operational contexts.
Examined the suitability of seakeeping procedures and their relationship to the occurrences of motion induced interruptions, task efficiency and risk of injury (with a focus on the lower back).
Investigated whether upgraded visuals in a dynamic positioning simulator will enhance a student's learning experience.
