Assessment of Seafarers’ Mental Workload: A Study on High Speed Craft

Kartoglu, Cem; Senol, Yunus Emre; Kum, Serdar · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.5750/ijme.v165ia3.1230

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Summary

This study addresses the critical issue of mental workload (MWL) among navigators of High Speed Craft (HSC), a vessel type characterized by high speeds and sophisticated electronic navigation systems. The research is motivated by the increased cognitive demands placed on HSC navigators due to complex bridge environments and the need to maintain optimal MWL levels to prevent fatigue, distraction, or performance errors. The primary objective was to assess the MWL of Turkish HSC navigators during various bridge navigation operations and to determine the impact of specific electronic navigation equipment on this workload. The methodology employed a subjective assessment approach using two main instruments: a pairwise comparison questionnaire and the Revised NASA Task Load Index (RNASA-TLX). The pairwise comparison evaluated the relative effects of four key electronic systems—Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic Identification System (AIS), and autopilot—on MWL. The RNASA-TLX, a modified version of the standard NASA-TLX, replaced physical demand and performance dimensions with visual demand and auditory demand to better reflect the sensory-heavy nature of bridge navigation. Data were collected from 38 Turkish HSC navigators, selected via purposive and snowball sampling methods, which was deemed sufficient to represent the population of 148 navigators in the Turkish Merchant Fleet. Participants rated their MWL across five operational scenarios: berthing, unberthing, navigation in coastal waters, navigation in restricted waters, and navigation on open sea. The findings revealed that navigators ranked the navigation operations by MWL intensity, with berthing and unberthing typically presenting the highest cognitive loads due to the precision and time pressure required. The pairwise comparison results indicated that ECDIS had the most significant impact on MWL, followed by ARPA, AIS, and autopilot, respectively. This hierarchy suggests that chart-based information processing imposes the greatest cognitive burden on HSC navigators. Additionally, participants identified specific factors contributing to high MWL and provided suggestions for maintaining optimal workload levels, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic design and effective human-machine interfaces. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to maritime safety and ergonomics. By quantifying the MWL associated with specific HSC operations and equipment, the research provides empirical evidence for designing bridge layouts and training programs that mitigate cognitive overload. The use of RNASA-TLX demonstrates a tailored approach to measuring workload in high-speed maritime contexts, where visual and auditory inputs are paramount. These insights can inform regulatory guidelines and technological developments aimed at reducing navigator stress and enhancing decision-making accuracy, ultimately improving the safety of HSC navigation.

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Topics

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• workload measurement
• mental demand

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• Empirical Findings: self report data, physiological data
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model