Alerts in the ship control centre: the potential for expert systems

Abstract

In response to the increasing sophistication of modern warfare, the Royal Navy has for many years been raising the level of computerisation of its warships. New vessels such as the Common New Generation Frigate under consideration by France, Italy and the UK will have more sensors and computer systems generating more data than ever before. As a result, the concept of an integrated platform management system (PMS) has emerged. The PMS has three main functional components-machinery control, electrical power, and damage control-but it also encompasses 'hotel' services such as the supply of electricity and fresh water. Although centred on the ship control centre (SCC), where the ship's machinery is monitored and commands from the bridge are received and carried out, the extensive use of computer networks allows its functions to be independent of location. At the same time, the Navy is not immune to the pressure on staffing levels found in all modern organisations, and opportunities for reducing the SCC watchkeeping complement are constantly being sought. To resolve these conflicting trends, the MoD has for some time required Warship Project Managers to prepare a Human Factors Integration Plan, to achieve operational effectiveness [through] the design of effective interfaces between human beings and technology. In this connection, a survey was carried out in 1994 of forty-four crew members in five Type 23 ships regarding their experiences with various SCC facilities. The results of this survey are reported.