Study on relation between operator and trainee's mental workload for ship maneuvering simulator exercise using heart rate variability

Abstract

A ship maneuvering simulator (simulator) is used for the purpose of advancing a maneuvering skill for a navigator and a sea pilot (pilot). We have evaluated their mental workload using physiological indices; however, it doesn't evaluate mental workload of a system engineer of the simulator (operator). We challenge to evaluate the operator's mental workload leads to a new addition for the conventional evaluation of mental workload of trainees, navigational officer and pilot. Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of useful physiological index; in this study we use R-R Interval data and LF/HF (Low/High Frequency) value of HRV data, we evaluate the operator's mental workload, and compared with mental workload of ship's bridge (bridge) teammates: navigator (captain) and helmsman. Finally we verify the effectiveness of simulator and its scenario for training.