Human Collision Avoidance Behavior as a Function of Visibility, Traffic Density Electronic Aiding and Type of Information Displayed

Abstract

Licensed Captains of 80,000 DWT oil tankers were tested on a real time computerized simulator in order to evaluate their collision avoidance behavior in the open sea. Visibility, Traffic density, Navigational aid, and Type of information displayed were manipulated experimentally in order to assess the effects of these variables upon the human's performance in potential collision situations. The findings indicated that a computerized collision avoidance system greatly reduced the danger of collision in poor visibility and in high traffic density whereas the possibility of collision was increased using radar in poor visibility and high traffic density. Furthermore, it was found that a meaningful graphic display of information was responsible for the improved performance as compared to a visual alphanumeric display of target ship information.