Influence of Human Engineering on Manning Levels and Human Performance on Ships

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objectives of Human Engineering (HE) are generally viewed as increasing human performance, reducing human error, enhancing personnel and equipment safety, and reducing training and related personnel costs. There are other benefits that are thoroughly consistent with the direction of the Navy of the future, chief among these is reduction of required numbers of personnel to operate and maintain Navy ships. The Naval Research Advisory Committee (NRAC) report on Man‐Machine Technology in the Navy estimated that one of the benefits from increased application of man‐machine technology to Navy ship design is personnel reduction as well as improving system availability, effectiveness, and safety. The objective of this paper is to discuss aspects of the human engineering design of ships and systems that affect manning requirements, and impact human performance and safety. The paper will also discuss how the application of human engineering leads to improved performance, and crew safety, and reduced workload, all of which influence manning levels. Finally, the paper presents a discussion of tools and case studies of good human engineering design practices which reduce manning.