Crew Training Research Articles

Virtual reality enhanced multi-role collaboration in crane-lift training for modular construction

Crane lifts for bulky module installation greatly affect site safety and efficiency. However, few previous studies addressed collaborative training for a lifting crew in modular construction. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a virtual reality (VR) system for enhancing multi-role collaboration in crane-lift training. The system is developed by integrating full-, semi-, and non-immersive VR devices with role-specific functions designed for crane operators, riggers, and signalers in modular building projects. The system is objectively assessed by six groups of researchers with memory tests and proved more effective in group-based crane-lift training than the lecture-based approach, resulting in a 33% improvement in the trainees' memory stability. The system is also evaluated by the researchers and six industry practitioners who affirm that their understanding of the crane-lift process is enhanced through multi-role collaboration using the system. The developed multi-user VR system should facilitate safe and efficient delivery of modular buildings.

The development of the helicopter non-technical skills (HeliNOTS) behavioural marker systems

Behavioural marker systems (observational frameworks geared towards the assessment of non-technical skills by way of behavioural markers) exist across a variety of high-risk occupations, however, no identifiable system currently exists developed from rotary operative data. In this study, discussion groups (n = 9) were undertaken with subject matter experts (n = 20)—including pilots and technical crew operating across search and rescue and offshore transport environments—with the objective of identifying role-specific behavioural markers. Systems were reviewed on an iterative basis by the academic team and received final reviews by additional subject matter experts (n = 6). Two behavioural marker systems were constructed: HeliNOTS (O) for offshore transport pilots and HeliNOTS (SAR) for search and rescue crews; each with domain-specific behavioural markers. Both represent a significant step towards a nuanced approach to training and assessment of helicopter flight crews’ non-technical skills and are the first publicly available systems tailored to these distinct mission types. Practitioner summary: There is no publicly available behavioural marker system based on data from rotary operatives. Across this study, two prototype systems were developed: HeliNOTS (SAR) for helicopter search and rescue, and HeliNOTS (O) for helicopter offshore transport. Both HeliNOTS systems represent a nuanced approach towards rotary CRM training and assessment.

In-Flight Infection Prevention and Control Training for Cabin Crew in China: A Qualitative Study

Specific in-flight infection prevention and control (IPC) training was deemed an essential strategy for ensuring the implementation of appropriate measures to protect the health of passengers and crew sustainably during COVID-19 and the post-pandemic period. This study aims to identify cabin crew’s IPC duties and investigate the current status of the in-flight IPC training for cabin crew in China. The snowballing technique was employed with purposeful sampling. A total of 15 participants, including cabin crew of various positions, inspectors, and trainers from eight airlines in China were invited to attend the in-depth semi-structured interview between September and November of 2022. Cabin crew IPC duties can be classified into four phases based on a thematic analysis: before flight, passenger boarding, during flight, and after flight. The findings indicated airlines in China required their cabin crew to carry out strict IPC measures onboard throughout all stages of flight, including in-flight IPC training before flight, being aware of COVID symptoms and monitoring passengers’ conditions during boarding, the standard operating procedure (SOP) of handling suspicious carriers during flight, and so on. Meanwhile, six major themes concerning cabin crew’s in-flight IPC training were extracted: COVID-19 information, IPC Supplies and usage, IPC measures onboard, communication and explanation, information collection and report up, attitude and perceptions toward COVID-19, and IPC measures. Cabin crew were regularly trained on in-flight IPC through online learning, with face-to-face training used as reinforcement. Although training for knowledge and technical skills was deemed comprehensive, non-technical skills such as communication and explanation were viewed as a weak link. Moreover, airlines should make greater efforts to help cabin crew develop a positive attitude towards COVID-19 and overcome their internal fears. This study pointed out the shortcomings of the in-flight IPC training for cabin crew in China and can help the airlines improve the training program so that cabin crew can perform their duties correctly. Furthermore, the result can inform the development of future cabin crew training programs for the post-pandemic period.

Application of fuzzy DEMATEL approach in maritime transportation: A risk analysis of anchor loss

Vessels are exposed to various operational risks throughout their service life. Anchor loss, which is one of the operational risks, may lead to grounding, collision and even total loss of vessel afterwards. Accidents due to loss of anchor may lead to serious consequences such as pollution, injury, loss of life and property. Therefore, it is very important to minimize the risk of anchor loss. In this study, a comprehensive literature review including accident and incident reports, technical reports and expert views was conducted to determine the factors that may cause anchor loss of ships. In order to analyze and define the cause-effect relationship between the determined factors, combination of the fuzzy logic and the DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method was used. The aim of this study is to mitigate the risk of anchor loss by developing an alternative risk analysis tool. Environmental factors at anchorage area, training and competency of crew, the number of shackles paid out, anchoring method and selection of anchor are identified as the most critical factors for anchor loss. According to the results, a risk analysis model based on cause-effect relationship between the factors has been presented for the shareholders in maritime industry.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Initiation of Helicopter Video Simulation Orientation Training for Air Medical Crews in Western Australia: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveIn May 2022, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations in Western Australia pioneered the introduction of the first organizational helicopter emergency service with 2 Eurocopter EC145 helicopters. This article describes the pilot study undertaken, assessing the implementation and flight crew confidence outcomes of the supplementation of video simulation training to standard clinical training for helicopter air medical retrieval. MethodsSurvey assessments using a 5-point Likert scale provided anonymous demographic data with summarized results of the means and standard deviations. Nonparametric tests were used to compare responses between the control and experimental groups from pretraining to postintervention to postpractical. ResultsThe findings showed an increase in confidence rates after a classroom session and further increases after a practical session in the control group. The intervention group showed a small rise in overall confidence levels after being shown video simulations following the completion of their classroom session before commencing their practical session. This study established that regardless of the airframe, clinical staff, often with significant experience in air medical retrieval and critical care medicine, do not automatically have confidence in performing critical care procedures in a new aircraft type to which they have not previously been oriented. The results display a statistically significant increase in confidence levels in procedural performance after the classroom session compared with the pretraining questionnaire, with a subtle further rise when video simulations are included in the classroom session. When a classroom session is subsequently supplemented with a practical simulation session, confidence levels continue to rise. ConclusionImplementing a comprehensive educational strategy including classroom and practical elements for clinical staff in their orientation to new aircraft improves their confidence in performing critical care procedures if required in flight. The addition of in-flight prerecorded videos demonstrating these critical care procedures is a useful adjunct to simulation training for flight crew in air medical retrieval, and further analytical studies may indeed show a statistically significant improvement in staff confidence.

Management of patients with impella devices or intra-aortic balloon pumps during helicopter air ambulance transport in observational data.

Placement of percutaneous ventricular support devices such as an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) or Abiomed Impella device can treat severe cardiogenic shock. Critical care transport medicine (CCTM) providers frequently manage patients supported by these devices during interfacility transfers, often using a helicopter air ambulance (HAA). An understanding of patient needs and management during transport is essential to informing crew configuration and training, and this study adds to the limited existing data on the HAA transport of this complex patient population. We performed a retrospective chart review of all HAA transports of patients with an IABP (n = 38) or Impella (n = 11) device at a single CCTM program from 2016 to 2020. We evaluated transport times and composite variables for the frequency of adverse events, condition changes requiring critical care evaluation, and critical care interventions. In this observational cohort, patients with an Impella device more frequently had an advanced airway and at least 1 vasopressor or inotrope active prior to transport. While flight times were similar, CCTM teams remained at referring facilities longer for patients with an Impella device (99 vs 68 minutes; p = 0.0097). Compared to patients with an IABP, patients with an Impella device more frequently had a condition change requiring critical care evaluation (100% vs 42%; p = 0.0005) and more frequently received critical care interventions (100% vs 53%; p = 0.0037). Adverse events were uncommon and did not differ for patients with an Impella device compared to an IABP (27% vs 11%; p = 0.178). Patients requiring mechanical circulatory support with IABP and Impella devices frequently require critical care management during transport. Clinicians should ensure the CCTM team has appropriate staffing, training, and resources to meet the critical care needs of these high acuity patients.

Knowledge Brokerage: The Musical: an analogy for explaining the role of knowledge brokers in a university setting

Background:Knowledge brokers in higher education are described as requiring a broad range of skills and characteristics, leading to both role conflict and ambiguity. Although existing studies report broad concepts regarding the role of knowledge brokers, the activities that they actually perform to broker knowledge are not systematically reported or impact evaluated. Aims and objectives:This paper aims to summarise the current literature on the role of knowledge brokers and describe this role in a higher education context. In an exploratory study, as two knowledge brokers we recorded our activities within a school of health in a large university setting using the Expert Recommendations for Implementation Change (ERIC) categories over a period of nine months. Using this report, we use the analogy of a musical to translate the role of knowledge broker. Considering the knowledge brokerage roles of musical director, set designer, choreographer, costume designer and sound and lighting, we discuss the impact of knowledge brokerage activities on actors relaying their knowledge story to an end-user audience. Knowledge brokers in the higher education context primarily perform activities in four areas: know your cast and crew; train your cast and crew; rehearse and review; and provide hands-on support. Key conclusions:Understanding the role of knowledge brokers may be enhanced by using the analogy of a musical. Due to the diverse nature of these roles, it is recommended that knowledge brokerage in higher education is performed in teams, where knowledge brokers can utilise different skill sets to facilitate their work.

Телематический комплекс как элемент охраны здоровья, повышения экономичности и безопасности перевозок ОАО "РЖД"

Modern development of railway transport entails changes in all areas related to the transportation of both passengers and cargo. An increase in the tonnage of cargo transportation, length of trains, introduction of an elongated turnover shoulder to increase the speed of the train, introduction of a driver driving system without an assistant, lead to an increase in psychophysical loads on workers providing direct transportation. Therefore, the policy of "Russian Railways" in the field of transportation safety and health protection should take into account the expected changes and anticipate the occurrence of possible negative consequences by introducing preventive measures. The complex of measures related to improving transportation safety is closely interrelated with labor protection and health of employees of locomotive and train crews. But, if the drivers currently have a system for monitoring the physiological state of the initial level (control of falling asleep), then other employees of the train crew do not have it. The system of prevention of occupational diseases is limited only to annual medical examinations. Despite the fact that JSC "Russian Railways" declares a policy that supports occupational safety and a healthy lifestyle, it is necessary to study new directions in this area in more detail.

Passive safety in railway vehicles: a review

The main aim of this contribution is to present the railway vehicles passive safety issues together with related rules, standards and norms being significant to the producers of railway vehicles. Such aim corresponds to criteria, which have to be met regarding the passengers’ safety, and which are related even to the interior design of passenger railway vehicle. Moreover, the current technical solutions of passenger wagons are presented together with selected aspects of their safety testing. The paper includes fundamentals in design of individual parts of railway wagons, and an overall solution of an interior design to minimize the negative impact on the passengers’ and train crew's safety, i.e. to prevent injuries in case of a potential collision. The objective of this contribution is to provide the review of current technical solutions of railway vehicles, including the normative requirements, regarding to the passive safety of railway vehicles.

ПРАКТИЧНІ РЕКОМЕНДАЦІЇ З УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ПРОЦЕСУ ПІДГОТОВКИ БАТАЛЬЙОННОЇ ТАКТИЧНОЇ ГРУПИ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ГВАРДІЇ УКРАЇНИ ДО ВИКОНАННЯ ЗАВДАНЬ ІЗ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ У СКЛАДІ СИЛ БЕЗПЕКИ І ОБОРОНИ

The presence of Ukraine in the legal regime of martial law, the tasks performed by the National Guard of Ukraine formations, as well as the modern conditions for the use of the NGU formations to participate in the cessation of the russian federation armed aggression determine the peculiarities of personnel individual and collective training for the successful performance of the tasks assigned to them to ensure national security . The open and large-scale war waged by the russian federation against Ukraine, the current level of the NGU's ability to perform national security tasks, defined by legislation during the right-wing martial law regime, necessitate the development of new approaches to training the personnel of the NGU units to act as part of the state security forces and defense forces. In conditions of increased tension and speed of change in the operational situation, specialized professional training of servicemen, crews (calculations) and units of battalion tactical groups acquires special importance. In the article it is analyzed the problems of substantiating the rational composition of groups of the state defense forces (including battalion tactical groups), the issue of determining the rational composition of NGU groups for the performance of relevant tasks to ensure national security, the experience of creating and using battalion tactical groups during modern wars and armed conflicts, as well as the system of training units equal to the battalion. Based on the analysis of relevant approaches and methods, the analysis of the experience of creating and using battalion tactical groups, an organizational structure scheme of NGU typical battalion tactical group is proposed, which takes into account the specifics of the implementation of the relevant NGU units. After analyzing the typical training plan of NGU battalion tactical groups, a number of weaknesses were revealed, which were taken into account when justifying the recommended improved training plan. Such an approach to training will further improve the performance by National Guard of Ukraine battalion tactical groups of tasks to ensure national security under the martial law legal regime, because the level of training and preparedness of personnel depends on the degree of performance of the assigned task, the preservation of personnel and weapons and vehicles.

Improving the staff training methodology

As of September 2019, after the implementation of the IMO system of voluntary verification of member states, only 41 percent of member states have passed the verification. Based on these audits, the IMO made the following conclusions. The root reasons why organizations failed to pass the test were the following: insufficient procedure, insufficient resources, insufficient coordination of participants, lack of national regulations, absence of training programs. The organization shall determine the required level of competence of personnel responsible for maintaining the quality of services and products. If the level does not match, the organization must increase it. It is also the responsibility of the organization to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken, to ensure that personnel are aware of the significance and relevance of ir activities, to keep records of education, training and experience of personnel. The purpose of the study is to determine the most promising and effective method for improving the training of transport industry workers. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set: analysis of the methodology for improving the training of personnel in the transport industry, development of recommendations for improving the training of the ship's crew and employees of coastal services. The object of the study is social relations in training workers of the transport industry. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is research on improving the training of personnel of the transport industry

Ecosystem-based merchant ship ballast water management strategy in Soekarno Hatta Port Makassar, Indonesia

Soekarno Hatta International Port is located in Makassar city, South Sulawesi province. Many national and international ships carry out operational activities at the port. Ballast water on ships is used as ballast to maintain ship stability when the cargo is empty or half filled. Ballast water exchange is still carried out when the ship is docked and carrying out operational activities at the port. This process has potential environmental impacts, because the disposal of ship ballast water is classified as waste. Ship ballast water often contains contaminated oil, harmful pathogens, and the exchange of marine organisms that have different habitats. The purpose of this study is to determine the appropriate alternative strategy in the management of ship ballast water in port of Soekarno Hatta. This research is descriptive qualitative, which is research that intends to describe a phenomenon and the research technique used is SWOT analysis. Based on the SWOT analysis, the management of commercial ship ballast water at Soekarno Hatta Port Makassar is in the first quadrant, namely the aggressive strategy. The position of internal and external factors in the ballast water management sub-sector in this quadrant shows that strengths and opportunities are more dominant than weaknesses and threats. The resulting strategies include: carrying out training and training for ship crews on the importance of commercial ship ballast water management, checking ballast water carried out regularly by stakeholders, socializing the management of commercial ship ballast water by stakeholders, and confirming the rules related to the management of commercial ship ballast water at Soekarno Hatta Port in order to maintain its ecosystem.

Digital Transformation, Applications, and Vulnerabilities in Maritime and Shipbuilding Ecosystems

The evolution of maritime and shipbuilding supply chains toward digital ecosystems increases operational complexity and needs reliable communication and coordination. As labor and suppliers shift to digital platforms, interconnection, information transparency, and decentralized choices become ubiquitous. In this sense, Industry 4.0 enables "smart digitalization" in these environments. Many applications exist in two distinct but interrelated areas related to shipbuilding design and shipyard operational performance. New digital tools, such as virtual prototypes and augmented reality, begin to be used in the design phases, during the commissioning/quality control activities, and for training workers and crews. An application relates to using Virtual Prototypes and Augmented Reality during all the design and construction phases. Another application relates to the cybersecurity protection of operational networks that support shipbuilding supply chains that ensures the flow of material and labor to the shipyards. This protection requires a holistic approach to evaluate their vulnerability and understand ripple effects. This paper presents the applications of Industry 4.0 for the areas mentioned above. The first case in shipbuilding design is an example of how the virtual prototype of a ship, together with wearable devices enabling augmented reality, can be used for the quality control of the construction of ship systems. For the second case, we propose developing an artificial intelligence-based cybersecurity supply network framework that characterizes and monitors shipbuilding supply networks and determines ripple effects from disruptions caused by cyberattacks. This framework extends a novel risk management framework developed by Diaz and Smith and Smith and Diaz that considers complex tiered networks.

Using the quality management system for risk management by the seaport administration

An increase in the number of ships in the world merchant fleet, their tonnage and speed has significantly enhanced the intensity of navigation, and the accident rate. Despite the fact that ships are equipped with the latest integrated navigation and power systems, the improvement of shore services and the quality of crew training, the accident rate of ships in port waters remains high. The main reason is the “human factor”, which is understudied. The problems and potential of implementing the quality management system were analyzed by Burkov, Irikov, Buyanova, Vetrenko, Vilsky, Voropaeva, etc. The purpose of the present study is to determine the most promising and effective method for developing the quality management system in the Seaport Administration. To achieve this goal, the concept and role of the quality management system, the role of the seaport administration in the system of the transport industry, duties of top managers related to the quality management system in the seaport administration were explored. The object of the study is the Seaport Administration. The study is novel as it develops a new scientific approach that can improve the efficiency of the quality management system in the Seaport Administration, the role of top managers, the methodology for training transport industry workers in order to eliminate emergencies and AS.

Interhospital critical care transport

Critically ill patients in need of specialized diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, but are being cared for in ahospital without such equipment, have to be transferred to appropriate centers without discontinuation of current critical care (interhospital critical care transfer). These transfers are resource intensive, challenging, and require high logistical effort, which must be managed by aspecialized and highly trained team, predeployment planning and efficient crew-resource management strategies. If planned adequately, interhospital critical care transfers can be performed safely without frequent adverse events. Beside routine interhospital critical care transfers, there are special missions (e.g., for patients in quarantine or supported by extracorporeal organ support) that might require adaption of the team composition or standard equipment. This article describes interhospital critical care transport missions including their different phases and special circumstances.

Оказание медицинской помощи больным и пострадавшим с использованием санитарной авиации в Республике Крым

Summary. The aim of the study is to evaluate the work of aviation medical teams of the Territorial Disaster Medicine Center of the Republic of Crimea in the field of sanitary aviation evacuation and rendering emergency consultative medical aid to the patients and victims of emergencies. Materials and research methods. Materials of the study — service documentation on the work of the department of the emergency consultative medical aid of the territorial disaster medicine center of the Republic of Crimea in 2019-2021. Research methods – analytical and statistical. Results of the study and their analysis. Sanitary aviation evacuation of patients and victims of emergencies in the Republic of Crimea is performed on the Ansat helicopter by a full-time aviation medical team of resuscitation profile with attraction — if it is necessary — of other specialists. The results of the work of the sanitary aviation of the Republic of Crimea in 2019-2021 are presented. Based on the results of the study, proposals were made to improve the quality of air ambulance evacuations. Among them: organization of short-term courses on acquainting aviation medical teams members with basics of aviation medicine, aviation ergonomics and psychophysiology of flight crews’ activity; training of flight crew (pilot, navigator) in basics of air ambulance evacuation; conducting “on the ground” with non-members of aviation medical teams instructional lessons and trainings on the rules of airborne medical equipment operation, etc.

Alert! The Appearance of Moded Input Devices in the Modern Airliner Cockpit

The automation in the flight deck of a modern airliner has grown in functionality over the past several decades, improving safety and operational efficiency. As the sophistication of automation has increased, some traditional input devices in the cockpit, such as throttle levers, yokes, and switches, have unobtrusively changed the way they work. Instead of operating the same way at all times, the behavior of these input devices has become context-sensitive (i.e., “moded”). It is well known in human factors design that nonsalient moded input devices require increased cognitive workload and can result in a startle, surprise, and confusion. An analysis of modern airliner cockpits identified three types of moded input devices: 1) disabled, 2) alternative behavior, and 3) command override. The implications of these results on cockpit design, certification, and flight crew training are discussed.

Experimental Research of Integrated Navigation Systems in Problems of Quadrotor Path Tracking

This article deals with issues related to assessing the impact of the pilot's psychophysiological pressure on the quality of the flight piloting technique. The quality of the aircraft control technique was evaluated by changing one of the flight parameters, namely the pitch angle during the landing approach. The analysis of the autocorrelation functions of the controlled parameter and their spectra were used to conduct the research. The proposed mathematical apparatus makes it possible to track the moment the pilot's psychophysiological pressure increases to a state of emotional instability, build a function of its influence on the quality of the flight piloting technique, and develop an effective method of anti-stress training for crews.

Coordination‐behavior patterns of control crews in digital nuclear power plants during emergencies from a network perspective: An exploratory study

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the coordination‐behavior patterns of control crews in digital nuclear power plants (NPPs) during emergencies from a network perspective. We observed and coded 12 coordination processes (each from one crew) of handling simulated emergencies on a full‐scope dynamic simulator in Tianwan NPP of China. By calculating the proportion of coordination breakdowns and referring to the subjective evaluation of instructors, these control crews (all male) were classified into two performance levels (high and low). To compare the coordination‐behavior patterns between high‐ and low‐performing crews, we conducted social network analysis based on the number and direction of coordination behaviors. By examining intracrew relations in team coordination, this study indicated that high‐performing crews exhibited higher cohesion and more balanced behavioral patterns in team coordination than low‐performing ones. By investigating coordination‐behavior patterns from the hierarchical structure of relations in the team, this study revealed that high‐performing crews exhibited higher degree of team autonomy and self‐management among junior operators, as well as reactor operator (RO)‐centered pattern, whereas the low‐performing crews exhibited senior reactor operator‐centered pattern. For researchers, the results advance the understanding of the team coordination mechanism in NPP control rooms during emergencies and enrich team coordination theory in process control industries from the network perspective. In practice, this study suggested that the team coordination training of NPP control crews might be centered around junior operators (especially RO), with focuses on facilitating information sharing and mutual assistance between junior operators and enhancing the awareness of active cooperation of crew members. The results of the study provide nuclear instructors with practical reference to team coordination training and processes optimization.

Analysis of causal relations of marine accidents during ship navigation under pilotage: A DEMATEL approach

Marine accidents cause many irreversible losses for life, property, and the environment. Moreover, accidents occurred in coastal areas cause even more. As a precaution, marine pilotage plays a key role in the safety of navigation. However, accidents still occur in coastal areas even if the pilot is on board. The paper, therefore, focuses on ship accidents that occurred while pilot is on board. In addition to pilot, as many complicated factors affect ship navigation in coastal areas and contribute ship accidents, solving intertwined relations between factors is essential to understanding accidents reasons. In this study, 32 factors contributing to ship accidents were identified based on accident investigation reports obtained from Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) and expert opinion. These factors were analyzed by using DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method to solve causal relations between factors. The findings showed that the human and ship related factors are the most significant main categories in the accidents under pilotage. In addition, their sub-categories which are crew training, ship condition, length over all, ship draught, master experience, pilot experience, and bridge team management have the most critical effect on the occurrence of accidents. It was concluded that there is a need for highly collaborative and fruitful relationship between master and pilot to provide safe navigation. Accordingly, effective control and preventive measures, which also provide a deeper understanding of safety management in the dangerous water are extensively discussed. Consequently, the obtained results provide valuable information for maritime transportation safety.