Advanced technologies and services are being developed to improve safety and efficiency of navigation at sea. The Sea Traffic Management (STM) EU Project is one of the largest e-Navigation projects examining the digitalization of the... more
Advanced technologies and services are being developed to improve safety and efficiency of navigation at sea. The Sea Traffic Management (STM) EU Project is one of the largest e-Navigation projects examining the digitalization of the shipping sector. The newly developed "STM Services" allow ships to share their monitored route with other ships, planned and/or monitored routes with shore centers and receive suggested routes from shore centers. These tools also allow ships to receive navigational warnings, ETA updates, and chat messages from shore center services. The European Maritime Simulator Network (EMSN), consisting of twelve ship handling simulators based in seven EU countries, examines the potential impact of these services through full scale simulations with scenarios involving up to 30 ships, complimenting the feasibility and understanding of implementing the STM services in live test beds. Two weeks of full scale EMSN simulations with seafarers were completed comp...
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The Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation Project is a European-based initiative with ambitions to improve maritime safety and efficiency through information sharing in real time. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the “STM... more
The Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation Project is a European-based initiative with ambitions to improve maritime safety and efficiency through information sharing in real time. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the “STM services,” which can be categorized as low-level automated functions designed to improve information exchange between ship and shore. Full-scale simulated scenarios were developed and tested on 16 professional vessel traffic service (VTS) operators comparing VTS operations as they are today with the added STM functionality. Data collection involved observations which assessed the frequency and type of interactions between ships and VTS, followed by questionnaires to provide an overall assessment of the user experience. The results indicate that the frequency and method of communication patterns between VTS operators and ships will be affected by the integration of the STM services. Additional access to navigational information could change the role of VTS...
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Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Information Retrieval, Architecture, Information Management, and 11 moreSituation awareness, Marine Engineering, Information Studies, Command and Control, Data Fusion, SITUATIONAL AWARENESS, MENTAL MODEL, Human Systems Integration, Maritime Operation, Information Architectures, and Computer and Information Science
Shipping and offshore sectors are moving operations into the ice-covered waters of the Arctic. As these exploration endeavours evolve, more guidance is needed for equipment, procedures, and training to operate in cold, harsh environments.... more
Shipping and offshore sectors are moving operations into the ice-covered waters of the Arctic. As these exploration endeavours evolve, more guidance is needed for equipment, procedures, and training to operate in cold, harsh environments. At present, limited training exists for lifeboat coxswains charged with navigating lifeboats in ice-covered water during emergency evacuation situations. This research study examines the effectiveness of simulator training in comparison with traditional Standard Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) training for navigating lifeboats in ice fields. These findings will inform manufacturers, trainers and regulators regarding the operational demands and training requirements needed to safely and efficiently perform these tasks.
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This study examined the effects that specific postures had on the neuromuscular activities of four muscles during an isoinertial pulling task. Ten male subjects volunteered to execute one-handed pulls at 15% of their body mass, at a... more
This study examined the effects that specific postures had on the neuromuscular activities of four muscles during an isoinertial pulling task. Ten male subjects volunteered to execute one-handed pulls at 15% of their body mass, at a frequency of 12 pulls per minute, for a duration of 12.5 minutes in both a standing and sitting posture. Electromyographical (EMG) activities of the posterior deltoid, trapezius, latissimus dorsi and erector spinae (L4/L5 level) were recorded by a portable data collection system using bipolar surface electrode configurations. Collected EMG data were subsequently analysed for differences in magnitude and rate of fatigue between conditions. Heart rates were also recorded for both conditions. Cardiovascular and neurophysiological responses provided no evidence of fatigue due to the execution of the task, suggesting that these workload and postures would be suitable for industrial applications. Analyses revealed significant differences between conditions in the level of activation for all muscles except the trapezius, suggesting that muscle recruitment is highly influenced by posture during common pulling activities. These findings support a conclusion that an operator performing repetitive submaximal (i.e. less than 15% of a subject's absolute body mass) pulling tasks would benefit from a workstation designed to accommodate standing and sitting postures in order to vary the manner in which agonist muscles are recruited.
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While a totally enclosed motor propelled survival craft (TEMPSC) can provide a temporary safe haven during an emergency situation, the comfort and habitability of its occupants may be called into question. Exposure to carbon dioxide... more
While a totally enclosed motor propelled survival craft (TEMPSC) can provide a temporary safe haven during an emergency situation, the comfort and habitability of its occupants may be called into question. Exposure to carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), increasing ambient temperature and humidity, and poor light and noisy environments may not only jeopardize the health and safety of TEMPSC occupants, but negatively affect the outcomes of the evacuation, escape and rescue (EER) events. Experimental trials were performed over a 3-year period during various climatic conditions consistent with expected abandonment situations. An IMO-SOLAS TEMPSC rated for 20-occupants, but retrofitted as a research craft, was instrumented to collect relevant interior cabin information. Trials conducted in pack ice were done with sufficient speed to facilitate the passive ventilation system within the TEMPSC, while those conducted on dry land in a stationary position showed CO₂ levels that rose well above safe values. Rising CO₂ levels within the TEMPSC may create a dangerous environment for the occupants. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the implementation of an active ventilation system within the TEMPSC that would mitigate the risk of increasing levels of CO₂ gas within the vessel.
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© Springer International Publishing AG 2018. In recent years, Information Technology (IT) applications have been developed for the traditional shipping industry aiming at improving safety and efficiency, but the design vision is... more
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018. In recent years, Information Technology (IT) applications have been developed for the traditional shipping industry aiming at improving safety and efficiency, but the design vision is dominantly technology-centric without much attention being given to the user’s actual work experience or needs. A usability study is an approach to uncover the gap between users and designers. Although there is substantial research on usability, the values and usability of the tabletbased applications used on ship bridges have rarely been investigated. In this paper, a tablet-based computer application was developed to provide decision support to river pilots for passing under bridges in the Gothenburg area. Experienced pilots were invited to participate in a simulated navigational environment. By exploring the potential barriers in using such novel applications on a bridge, this study aims to address the human factor concerns for future IT design and developments in the maritime domain.
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Since IMO’s recent approval of the E-navigation strategy, projects like EfficienSea2 have focused on improving information exchange, safety and efficiency of navigation. To identify current gaps and potential development opportunities,... more
Since IMO’s recent approval of the E-navigation strategy, projects like EfficienSea2 have focused on improving information exchange, safety and efficiency of navigation. To identify current gaps and potential development opportunities, this study investigated the current maritime network, typical work practices and technologies through qualitative research with the Swedish Vessel Traffic Services, coastal pilots and navigation instructors. Maritime operations happen within a resilient sociotechnical system where ship- and shore-based operators work in cooperation to achieve common goals. However, the low interconnection of information technologies was evident, and basic local navigational information was dispersed, sometimes conflicting or inaccessible, increasing uncertainty and complicating decision-making for ship- and shore-based stakeholders. New e-navigation solutions may not only alter work processes but also the organisation of the maritime network.
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Abstract This paper introduces a methodology for identifying critical human and organizational factors in the escape, evacuation and rescue (EER) systems of offshore installations in a harsh environment. To elucidate the complex... more
Abstract This paper introduces a methodology for identifying critical human and organizational factors in the escape, evacuation and rescue (EER) systems of offshore installations in a harsh environment. To elucidate the complex dependence of human and organizational factors on risky incidents, this methodology uses a Bayesian network (BN) and a sensitivity analysis to assess the criticality of these factors. As a case study, the methodology is applied to the activation of an emergency alarm and considers the consequences introduced because of a harsh environment. The results of the case study show that the probability of success for personnel to become aware of an emergency alarm is most likely affected by noise due to strong wind. Using the proposed methodology, the probability calculations include the human and organizational factors that stem from the organizational level and extend to the evacuation procedures, emergency equipment, and personnel to provide a more practical result than the probabilities estimated by expert judgements.
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Research Interests: Business and Automation
© 2015 Organising Committee NAV 2015. This paper is a case study that elucidates upon the root causes of a collision MS Savannah Express with a link span while inbound to the Southampton Docks because of an engine failure. The poorly... more
© 2015 Organising Committee NAV 2015. This paper is a case study that elucidates upon the root causes of a collision MS Savannah Express with a link span while inbound to the Southampton Docks because of an engine failure. The poorly documented engine design and installation, an unanticipated crew change, lack of spare parts, in part, accounted for the accident that was primarily attributed to human error during the initial investigation. Reason's Swiss Cheese Model clearly provides a framework that describes the accident and the inherent latent failures that turned the crews' actions to active failures. This paper will elaborate upon the complexity, and consequently ambiguity, of automated systems and how the lack of transparency within such systems led to crew decision failures. The conclusions made in the accident report stated that "The ship's engineers did not have a sufficiently good knowledge of the ME control system or specific system engineering training to successfully diagnose faults". As the complexity of the Engine Control Systems increases and the transparency decreases, the technology, to a higher extent, needed to support the decision making process of the engineers becomes even more critical. This gap cannot be replaced solely by training but needs to be supported by user-centered design.
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Autonomous vehicle and drones have become more popular in recent years whereas unmanned merchant vessels remain a less-matured concept. The MUNIN project examines the feasibility of autonomous unmanned vessel that is concurrently... more
Autonomous vehicle and drones have become more popular in recent years whereas unmanned merchant vessels remain a less-matured concept. The MUNIN project examines the feasibility of autonomous unmanned vessel that is concurrently monitored by an operator onshore. Previous research suggests maintaining adequate situation awareness as a primary challenge related to human-center automation. The purpose of this study was to identify the human factor issues in remote monitoring and controlling of autonomous unmanned vessels through scenario-based trials by four master mariners and a ship engineer. The literature review and fieldwork data identified gaps in the current system corresponding with changes in a harmony framework, suggesting aspects on which the design could be improved to enhance operator’s situation awareness and regain harmony onshore.
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Bibliography: leaves 176-189.The description of biornechanical events measured during manual materials handling (MMH) activities has been a major focus for ergonomists attempting to understand the relationships between performance factors... more
Bibliography: leaves 176-189.The description of biornechanical events measured during manual materials handling (MMH) activities has been a major focus for ergonomists attempting to understand the relationships between performance factors and injury mechanisms. Pulling exertions, while being frequently observed in occupational settings, requires more attention from researchers. The purpose of this work was to elucidate the influences of task-simulated factors upon subject performance while exerting pull forces within a stationary workstation
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The shipping industry is traditional and conservative, with slow-moving regulatory body acting in a reactive manner often driven by major shipping disasters. However, moving into the digital age in the 4th IR does not exclude the shipping... more
The shipping industry is traditional and conservative, with slow-moving regulatory body acting in a reactive manner often driven by major shipping disasters. However, moving into the digital age in the 4th IR does not exclude the shipping industry which now is facing a development towards smart and highly automated vessels driven by rapid technological developments. A fully autonomous electric powered container vessel can be a reality in 4 years. The transition into highly and fully autonomous vessels will change the seafarer as we now know them. No doubt, the traditional core knowledge described in the STCW Convention will still be valid for the future operators. The question is what else to they need to know and what skill sets do they need to have? This paper aims at discussing the challenges involved in preparing the future seafarers in their coming role in this digital age
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Empirical investigations were carried out in a research project for the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building, and Housing to evaluate the presentation of AIS target information on ECDIS. The investigations were performed at... more
Empirical investigations were carried out in a research project for the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building, and Housing to evaluate the presentation of AIS target information on ECDIS. The investigations were performed at three international simulation centres. The features, colour and fillingjsize of AIS symbols, as well as the influence of the ECDIS display category on the detection of AIS targets were the main issues of the investigations. Results show that blue (5-52 colour token RE5BL) is the most suitable colour of the tested colours for the presentation of AIS targets under all ambient light conditions on the tested IHO S-52 colour tables.
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The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of simulated vessel motions and load stabilities on thoracolumbar kinematics and foot centre of pressures (CoP) kinematics during the execution of common manual material handling (MMH)... more
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of simulated vessel motions and load stabilities on thoracolumbar kinematics and foot centre of pressures (CoP) kinematics during the execution of common manual material handling (MMH) tasks. Nine male subjects completed a standing, holding and lifting task in three different simulator motion conditions (no motion, pitch and roll) while handling both a stable and unstable load (15 kg). Stability of load did not affect thoracolumbar kinematics, CoP or occurrence of motion induced interruptions (MIIs) while lifting or holding a load in any of the motion environments. Although no differences in thoracolumbar kinematics and CoP during the dynamic lifting task between baseline and either pitch or roll conditions were found, total anterior-posterior CoP displacements and thoracolumbar velocities were greater during motion conditions for stationary holding and standing tasks. MIIs occurred more often during the standing task than the lift...
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Maritime navigation is a complex task involving the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of information using seamanship, professional knowledge, and technology. As the maritime industry transitions towards maritime autonomous... more
Maritime navigation is a complex task involving the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of information using seamanship, professional knowledge, and technology. As the maritime industry transitions towards maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), there is an increasing gap between the operator and the technology. This paper explores a collision avoidance decision support system for navigation from the navigator's perspective. The system, developed by Wärtsilä, is called Advanced Intelligent Manoeuvring (AIM) and can generate suggestions for course or speed alterations based on data from surrounding traffic. Nineteen Swedish navigators completed three ship traffic scenarios with and without decision support. Qualitative data were collected using interviews and analysed with thematic analysis. The results show that the participants perceive the decision support system as an advisory tool to visualise how traffic situations could unfold, a task currently difficult for most n...
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Vehicle motion characteristics differ between air, road, and sea environments, both vestibularly and visually. Effects of vision on motion sickness have been studied before, though less systematically in a naval setting. It is... more
Vehicle motion characteristics differ between air, road, and sea environments, both vestibularly and visually. Effects of vision on motion sickness have been studied before, though less systematically in a naval setting. It is hypothesized that appropriate visual information on self-motion is beneficial in a naval setting and that task performance is likely reduced as sickness increases. Using a within-subjects design, 24 subjects were exposed to 30 min of motion in a ship's bridge motion simulator with 3 visual conditions: an Earth-fixed outside view; an inside view that moved with the subjects; and a blindfolded condition. Subjective sickness symptoms and severity were rated repeatedly before, during, and after motion exposure. During the motion, subjects performed a mental task. Though not excessive, sickness was highest in the inside viewing condition, intermediate in the outside viewing condition, and least in the blindfolded condition. The blindfolded condition was equally...
Research Interests: Psychology, Medicine, Linear models, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vestibular System, and 15 moreVision, Humans, Computer Simulation, Female, Male, Simulator Sickness, Medical Physiology, Nausea, Motion sickness, Middle Aged, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Ships, Chi Square Distribution, and Severity of Illness Index
Objective The purpose of this study was to examine how intensity of wave motions affects the performance of a simulated maritime search and rescue (SAR) task. Background Maritime SAR is a critical maritime occupation; however, the effect... more
Objective The purpose of this study was to examine how intensity of wave motions affects the performance of a simulated maritime search and rescue (SAR) task. Background Maritime SAR is a critical maritime occupation; however, the effect of wave motion intensity on worker performance is unknown. Methods Twenty-four participants (12 male, 12 female) performed a simulated search and rescue task on a six-degree-of-freedom motion platform in two conditions that differed in motion intensity (low and high). Task performance, electromyography (EMG), and number of compensatory steps taken by the individual were examined. Results As magnitude of simulated motion increased, performance in the SAR task decreased, and was accompanied by increases in lower limb muscle activation and number of steps taken. Conclusions Performance of an SAR task and balance control may be impeded by high-magnitude vessel motions. Application This research has the potential to be used by maritime engineers, occupat...
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Supplemental material, Figure S1, for The Effect of Wave Motion Intensities on Performance in a Simulated Search and Rescue Task and the Concurrent Demands of Maintaining Balance by Carolyn A. Duncan, Nicole Bishop, Vicki Komisar, Scott... more
Supplemental material, Figure S1, for The Effect of Wave Motion Intensities on Performance in a Simulated Search and Rescue Task and the Concurrent Demands of Maintaining Balance by Carolyn A. Duncan, Nicole Bishop, Vicki Komisar, Scott N. MacKinnon and Jeannette M. Byrne in Human Factors: The Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
The rapid development of artificial intelligence, big data, and automation have the potential to transform the maritime industry. While change is inevitable, automated solutions do not guarantee navigational safety, efficiency or improved... more
The rapid development of artificial intelligence, big data, and automation have the potential to transform the maritime industry. While change is inevitable, automated solutions do not guarantee navigational safety, efficiency or improved seaway traffic management. This paper describes lessons learned throughout the Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation project. The STM project tested low-level automation functions intended to enhance navigational safety and efficiency. The results indicate that although the additional information was useful, there may be a disruption in current working practices, and potential gaps in the existing regulatory framework, and training and skill development of future mariners. The aim of this paper is to argue for a systems approach to better understand and prevent technologies from becoming “unruly” in the maritime context. This approach will consider how the technologies impact various system elements to support a more safe and sustainable shipping...
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The maritime shipping industry is a safety-critical domain where onboard work organization continues to evolve with advancing technologies. Recent research has revealed that altering operational conditions and task demands are not... more
The maritime shipping industry is a safety-critical domain where onboard work organization continues to evolve with advancing technologies. Recent research has revealed that altering operational conditions and task demands are not supported or optimized by typical onboard working environments. The application of ergonomics and participatory design practices in ship design and construction is generally not well supported by regulation or implemented by designers. The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyse the potential of practical application of ergonomics and participatory design practices in ship design and construction. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) and PEST (political, economic, social and technological) analyses were used to investigate the internal, and of particular interest, the external macro-environmental factors of the shipping industry which influence the success of ergonomics applications in ship development processes.
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Abstract Automation is projected to transform many industries and work domains and enable both increased levels of safety and efficiency by reallocating many of the functions traditionally performed by operators. However, research on the... more
Abstract Automation is projected to transform many industries and work domains and enable both increased levels of safety and efficiency by reallocating many of the functions traditionally performed by operators. However, research on the relation between automation and work practice is lagging and needs to be further explored in order to ground the debate and design of automated work on a sound empirical basis reflecting work in actual organizational settings. In particular, research is needed that offers rich naturalistic representations of human automation interaction that accounts for the mutual shaping of human and material agency over time. The ethnographic workplace study reported in this paper draws on the sociomaterial practice perspective and on the theory of imbrication to analyze a case in which an automatic speed regulation system was installed onboard five large passenger ferries in order to improve the energy efficiency of the execution of voyages. The results show how the adoption, appropriation and use of automated technologies is inextricable from the local patterns of social interaction and collaboration. The study contributes with a deeper understanding of the relation and entanglement of the social and technological elements in human automation interaction.
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BackgroundPrevious research suggests motion induced fatigue contributes to significant performance degradation and is likely related to a higher incidence of accidents and injuries. However, the exact effect of continuous multidirectional... more
BackgroundPrevious research suggests motion induced fatigue contributes to significant performance degradation and is likely related to a higher incidence of accidents and injuries. However, the exact effect of continuous multidirectional platform perturbations on energy cost (EC) with experienced personnel on boats and other seafaring vessels remains unknown.ObjectiveThe objective of this experiment was to measure the metabolic ECs associated with maintaining postural stability in a motion-rich environment.MethodsTwenty volunteer participants, who were free of any musculoskeletal or balance disorders, performed three tasks while immersed in a moving environment that varied motion profiles similar to those experienced by workers on a mid-size commercial fishing vessel (static platform (baseline), low and high motions (HMs)). Cardiorespiratory parameters were collected using an indirect calorimetric system that continuously measured breath-by-breath samples. Heart rate was recoded us...
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Seafaring occupations have been shown to place operators at an increased risk for injury. The purpose of this study was to understand better the demands of a moving environment on the ability of a person to perform specific lifting tasks.... more
Seafaring occupations have been shown to place operators at an increased risk for injury. The purpose of this study was to understand better the demands of a moving environment on the ability of a person to perform specific lifting tasks. Subjects lifted a 15-kg load under four different lifting conditions. A 6-degree-of-freedom ship motion simulator imposed repeatable deck motions under foot while subjects executed the lifting tasks. Subjects were oriented in three different positions on the simulator floor to inflict different motion profiles. Electromyographic records of four muscles were collected bilaterally, and thoracolumbar kinematics were measured. A repeated-measures ANOVA was employed to assess trunk motions and muscle activities across lifting and motion conditions. The erector spinae muscles showed a trend toward significant differences for motion effects. Maximal sagittal velocities were significantly smaller for all motion states in comparison with the stable conditio...
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The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical demands associated with MMH performed in moving environments. Twelve healthy male subjects performed four different lifting tasks (referred to as 10U, 15U, Close25 and Far25)... more
The purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical demands associated with MMH performed in moving environments. Twelve healthy male subjects performed four different lifting tasks (referred to as 10U, 15U, Close25 and Far25) while exposed to a simulated ship motion profile. Dependent measures included electromyographic (EMG) signals from several trunk muscles and thoracolumbar motions collected via a Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM). A repeated measures ANOVA was employed to examine the differences between thoracolumbar velocities and trunk EMG activities between successful lifts and lifts during which a motion induced interruption (MII) was identified. The maximum EMG signals increased as MII events occurred for the left and right erector spinae and external obliques. The 10U lifting task significantly differed from both the Close25 and Far25 lifting tasks in the maximum left trapezius and the 10U lifting task differed from all other lifting tasks for the maximum right trapeziu...
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The purpose of this study was to examine how wave-induced platform motion effects postural stability when handling loads. Twelve participants (9 male, 3 female) performed a sagittal lifting/lowering task with a 10 kg load in different sea... more
The purpose of this study was to examine how wave-induced platform motion effects postural stability when handling loads. Twelve participants (9 male, 3 female) performed a sagittal lifting/lowering task with a 10 kg load in different sea conditions off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Trunk kinematics and foot center of force were measured using the Lumbar Motion Monitor and F-Scan foot pressure system respectively. During motion conditions, significant decreases in trunk velocities were accompanied by significant increases in individual foot center of pressure velocities. These results suggest that during lifting and lowering loads in moving environments, the reaction to the wave-induced postural disturbance is accompanied by a decrease in performance speed so that the task can be performed more cautiously to optimize stability.
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Wave induced platform motions observed in marine environments pose a significant risk to offshore workers' safety. While the strenuous and potentially dangerous nature of the many offshore occupations does play a role, the wave... more
Wave induced platform motions observed in marine environments pose a significant risk to offshore workers' safety. While the strenuous and potentially dangerous nature of the many offshore occupations does play a role, the wave induced platform motions observed in marine environments and their effects on postural stability also contribute to this risk. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of platform motions on thoracolumbar kinematics and foot centre of pressures during stationary standing and load holding tasks. Twelve participants (9 male, 3 female) completed two tasks in four distinct sea conditions. While performing these tasks, thoracolumbar kinematics and foot centre of pressures were measured using the Lumbar Motion Monitor and F-Scan foot pressure system, respectively. Thoracolumbar kinematics and foot centre of pressures measurements increased in magnitude as platform motion magnitudes increased. Furthermore, in tasks where the subject experienced a motion induced interruption dependent measurement magnitudes further increased. Results suggest that wave induced perturbations have a significant effect on biomechanical measures used to assess balance and stability during the performance of stationary standing and load holding activities. These measures suggest that the body is less stable while performing standing and holding tasks in moving environment, particularly as a change-in-support corrective strategy must be initiated regularly to maintain postural stability.
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ABSTRACT A multi-national sea trial on the effects of ship motions on human performance was performed on Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel QUEST, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, in February and March of 2007. The primary goal of this... more
ABSTRACT A multi-national sea trial on the effects of ship motions on human performance was performed on Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel QUEST, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, in February and March of 2007. The primary goal of this experiment was to obtain both subjective and objective measures of task performance in calm water and in higher sea states, to enable validation of the self-assessment methodology used for a large NATO Questionnaire deployment in 1997. Secondary goals for this experiment included examination of possible effects of ship motions on complex cognitive task performance, perceived workload, mood and visual acuity. The twelve volunteer subjects for this experiment were recruited from Canadian Forces regular navy and naval reserve. The experiment was conducted in three phases: a pre-exposure phase of four days with the ship alongside in harbour, used for learning and to establish baseline performance; an exposure phase of eight days at sea, with sea conditions varying from calm to low sea state six; and, a one day post-exposure phase with the ship at anchor in sheltered waters, to re-examine baseline performance. Ship motions and wave conditions encountered during the trial are presented, and the experiment schedule and protocol are described in detail, including all tests, questionnaires, and activities performed by the subjects.
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Inflatable liferafts are used worldwide as a means of evacuation and survival from almost all ocean-going vessels, regardless of their size, purpose or region of operation. Vessel size ranges from fishing and other commercial vessels with... more
Inflatable liferafts are used worldwide as a means of evacuation and survival from almost all ocean-going vessels, regardless of their size, purpose or region of operation. Vessel size ranges from fishing and other commercial vessels with small crews to offshore oil ...
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Motion induced interruptions (MIIs) have been employed,as a seakeeping evaluation tool to estimate the events during which an operator will have to abandon a task in order to maintain stability. Several MII prediction models have been... more
Motion induced interruptions (MIIs) have been employed,as a seakeeping evaluation tool to estimate the events during which an operator will have to abandon a task in order to maintain stability. Several MII prediction models have been proposed, however these typically represent the operator as ,a rigid ,body ,system ,with a limited ,number ,of segmental articulations. It may be speculated ,that these models ,lack ecological validity and may ,not represent realistic predictions of operator risk. During recent North Atlantic sea trials, subjects where videotaped during the execution of a,stationary standing task. Platform motions were recorded in 6 degrees of freedom,and were synchronized,to the video records. The videotape information,allowed ,identification of MII events within the task time-histories. These observed events were used to tune an inverted pendulum,articulated postural stability model for predicting MII occurrences. Model results were compared ,with the observ...