Human-automation interaction centered approach based on FRAM for systemic safety analysis of dynamic positioning operations for offshore tandem offloading

Abstract

The offshore and maritime industry comprises technologically complex vessels and facilities with increasing automation. However, automation may introduce human-automation interaction problems with possibly catastrophic consequences. Dynamic positioning (DP) operations are typical of high exposure to such threats. This study develops a human-automation interaction centered approach for systemic DP operational safety analysis in offshore tandem offloading. The proposed methodology utilizes a prevailing systemic method, i.e., the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM), to resolve holistic modeling of human-automation interaction. Therein, a novel semi-quantitative framework of FRAM based on Monte Carlo simulation is integrated and improved to facilitate traditional FRAM analysis. A case application of the methodology is presented to demonstrate the usefulness for unraveling human interactions with the DP system and enhancing operational safety. An integral FRAM model is established to investigate the performance variability of human and DP automation and their various manners of aggregation in the interactive context of tandem offloading. The results reveal critical functions, couplings, and interrelated resonant paths for systemic analysis of the emergence of tanker drive-off and collision scenarios. The FRAM analysis embraces Safety-II and resilience engineering perspective to devise more proactive safety strategies through managing variability and augment DP safety management.