Effects of navigation method on workload and performance in simulated high-speed ship navigation

• Published in: Applied ergonomics Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 103 - 114
• Main Authors: Gould, Kristian S., Røed, Bjarte K., Saus, Evelyn-Rose, Koefoed, Vilhelm F., Bridger, Robert S., Moen, Bente E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 2009; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Applied physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Computer Simulation; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Heart Rate; High-speed ships; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Methods; Naval Medicine; Navigation; Occupational Exposure; Performance evaluation; Ships; Ships - instrumentation; Task Performance and Analysis; Workload; Workloads; High-speed ships; Navigation; Performance; Workload; Performance evaluation; Human; Speed; Navigational aid; Information system; Mental load; Ergonomics; Simulation; High speed; Radar; Ship; Maritime transportation; Chart
• ISSN: 0003-6870; 1872-9126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2008.01.001

This study examines mental workload and performance in simulated high-speed ship navigation. Two navigation methods were compared based on an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) and a conventional system using paper charts. Twenty naval cadets navigated in high-fidelity simulators through a 50 nautical mile course with varying levels of difficulty. Results showed that ECDIS navigation significantly improved course-keeping performance, but reduced the total amount of communication on the bridge. No differences were observed in subjective workload between groups. Heart rate variability and skin conductance measurements indicated higher workload in conventional navigation, but the differences between groups were not significant.