From tacit knowledge to visual expertise: Eye-tracking support in maritime education and training

The maritime pilot is an expert with knowledge on a specific navi- gational route. The maritime pilot cadet undergoes maritime education and training in classrooms, onboard vessels and in simulators. Developing visual expertise is a basic objective. Transferring knowledge from experienced mar- itime pilots to maritime pilot cadets is challenging since some of this knowledge is tacit. The transference is achieved by externalization and socialization pro- cesses. The objective of this pre-study was to assess eye-tracking methodology as a tool to support maritime education and training, and for transferring tacit knowledge. The study was performed in an explorative way during simulator sessions, by interviews, questionnaires and observations. The result shows that eye-tracking methodology is useful for transferring tacit knowledge in simulator settings, but not during other parts of the education and training. The results also show that situational awareness of maritime pilot instructors and maritime pilot cadets increases when utilizing eye-tracking methodology

Validation of a maritime usability study with eye tracking data

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Application of eye-tracking techniques in human factor research in marine operations. Challenges and methodology

The following paper provides information about eye-tracking techniques and methodology. It is focused on introducing eye movement metrics in human factor research in maritime domain, explaining basic methodology and describing the types of data analysis, thus providing the background and guidelines for simple eyetracking studies

Extended Framework for Usability Testing in e-Navigation Systems

The paper presents the framework of usability testing of ECDIS equipment based on the IMO’s Guidelines on Software Quality Assurance and Human-centred Design for e-Navigation. By incorporating the eye tracking techniques into the procedure it was possible to measure the visual attention distribution and the cognitive work-load. The presented method could be used to evaluate usability of every e-navigation system, which is necessary to ensure that the seafarers are able to successfully perform primary operations of systems upgraded with e-navigation functions, regardless of the type and specifications of the system and users’ knowledge and experience with the system. The initial results are presented and discussed as the study is still ongoing

Metody oceny użyteczności systemów e-nawigacji

The framework of usability testing of e-navigation equipment based on ECDIS example has been presented in the paper. By incorporating the eye tracking techniques into the procedure it was possible to measure visual attention distribution and cognitive workload. Such usability rating methods must be developed to ensure that the seafarers are able to successfully perform primary operations of systems upgraded with e-navigation functions, regardless of the type and specifications of the system and users’ knowledge and experience with the system.W artykule przedstawiono metodologię testów użyteczności sprzętu e-nawigacyjnego na przykładzie systemu ECDIS. Uwzględnienie technik okulograficznych w ramach zalecanych testów umożliwiło pomiar podziału uwagi i obciążenia poznawczego użytkowników ocenianego sprzętu. Tego rodzaju techniki muszą być rozwijane, aby zapewnić wykonywanie przez nawigatorów podstawowych operacji z udziałem systemów e-nawigacji niezależnie od ich doświadczenia z danym typem sprzętu

Universal Simulation Method for Determining the Maneuverability of Ferry Based on the Example of Ystad Port

The paper describes a universal simulation method used by the authors to determine the conditions of safe operation of sea ferries, in terms of marine traffic engineering. The assumptions, simulation experiment and results are described on the example of the m/f Mazovia manoeuvring in the Port of Ystad. Carried out and described in the article simulation study using the present method was aimed to determine the possibility of adapting the propulsion and steering systems of the ferry including: 1) determination of the wind limits in the Port of Ystad in terms of Mazovia ferry operation; 2) assessment of the maneuvering safety in a port area and determination of conditions of safe operation with present propulsion and steering systems; 3) determination of the possibility of adapting the propulsion and steering systems to meet the requirements of the shipowner for the economically efficient and safe operation of the ferry.W artykule opisano uniwersalną metodę symulacji używaną przez autorów dla określania bezpiecznych warunków operowania przez promy morskie w kontekście zasad inżynierii morskiej. Założenia, eksperyment symulacji i wyniki są opisane na przykładzie m/f Mazowsza manewrującego w Porcie Ystad. Badania symulacyjne oparte o powyższą metodę i opisane w artykule zakładały określenie możliwości dostosowania systemów napędowych i sterowania promów włącznie z: 1) określeniem ograniczeń wiatru w porcie Ystad w kontekście możliwości manewrowych promu Mazovia; 2) oszacowanie bezpieczeństwa manewrów w porcie oraz określenia warunków bezpieczeństwa operacji przy obecnych systemach napędowych i sterowych; 3) określenie możliwości dostosowania układów napędowych i sterowych dla spełnienia oczekiwań armatora odnośnie ekonomiki i bezpieczeństwa operacji promowych

Application of Markov chains to a navigator visual attention model

This paper presents initial results from a series of eye-tracking experiments on a Full Mission Bridge simulator. The aim of this research was to develop a stochastic model of a navigator’s attention distribution during their navigational watch. Such model could be used as a tool for workload and usability studies for navigators and navigational equipment interfaces. A structure of the model is discussed together with the evaluation of Markov chains as a main modelling tool. Initial results are presented and discussed. It is suggested that 1st order Markov chains are not fully applicable for this problem. A combination of the 1st and higher-order Markov chains will be applied in the next stage of research

A method for the approximation of oil binder fall trajectory

The following paper presents a novel method for approximating the fall trajectories of small, lightweight oil binders, used during oil spill clean-up operation at sea. Due to the weight, size and shape of the binders, the fall trajectory is highly dependent on the direction and strength of the wind, as well as the rotations and positions of individual binders when dropped. Since a large quantity of tightly packed binders are dropped at once, it is highly inconvenient to calculate the precise trajectory of each binder when its exact initial rotation and position inside the container are not known. The aim of this study is to predict the exact moment and position of the drop, as well as the oil binders’ spread, considering wind conditions, airplane velocity and height

Evaluating the measurement accuracy of laser distance meters for the purpose of the PNDS system construction

Preliminary outcome of the tests of laser distance measurement modules being a part of the PNDS system (Pilot Navigation & Docking System) developed within the OPIE project (Operational Programme Innovative Economy) in Maritime University in Szczecin are presented in the article. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions and the actual conditions which may occur during the system’s operation. The modules of the digital laser distance meters available on civilian market were compared. Statistical analysis comparing the accuracy of the laser distance meters was presented and based on it, their general effectiveness was evaluated making part of the preliminary prototype of the PNDS system

Concept of an augmented virtuality marine simulator

This paper presents the assumptions for the concept of a full mission ship’s bridge simulator prototype using innovative augmented virtuality technology. A description of a possible development process is provided as well as two potential applications in the field of marine simulation: operator motion tracking techniques, MoCap, which entails interacting with the environment and generating of synthetic images via HUD; and implementation of the latest technology, data gathering and analysis methods, which would replace current visualization methods and equipment used in maritime simulators