An evaluation of low-level automation navigation functions upon vessel traffic services work practices

Abstract

The Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation Project is a European-based initiative with ambitions to improve maritime safety and efficiency through information sharing in real time. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the “STM services,” which can be categorized as low-level automated functions designed to improve information exchange between ship and shore. Full-scale simulated scenarios were developed and tested on 16 professional vessel traffic service (VTS) operators comparing VTS operations as they are today with the added STM functionality. Data collection involved observations which assessed the frequency and type of interactions between ships and VTS, followed by questionnaires to provide an overall assessment of the user experience. The results indicate that the frequency and method of communication patterns between VTS operators and ships will be affected by the integration of the STM services. Additional access to navigational information could change the role of VTS operators in traffic situations compared with traditional operations. This paper discusses the findings from a socio-technical systems perspective while also addressing the individual STM services and their potential impact on VTS operations. This research provides valuable information for European VTS centers that could be affected by the implementation of e-Navigation and, specifically, the STM services.

Development of an Augmented Reality Concept for Icebreaker Assistance and Convoy Operations

“…What impact on safety can applications, such as Icebreaker Assistance, have? The maritime industry is technology driven [42], and ensuring that new technology will support the operator rather than introduce unwanted risk is important. When asked about safety, the participants agreed that highlighting various types of critical operational information at the right time could improve safety.…”

A Dynamic Risk Appraisal Model and Its Application in VTS Based on a Cellular Automata Simulation Prediction

“…The analysis of three actual collisions on the high seas showed that situations of high complexity, which decrease human reliability, can be predicted well in advance, allowing for a safe resolution [ 20 ]. Based on the above-mentioned theories about VTS and shore-based services, there have been many studies that have discussed the future research directions of VTS [ 21 , 22 ]. The Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation Project is a European-based initiative with ambitions to improve maritime safety and efficiency through information sharing in real time.…”

“…The Sea Traffic Management (STM) Validation Project is a European-based initiative with ambitions to improve maritime safety and efficiency through information sharing in real time. Katie Aylward et al discussed the role of STM service integration in changing the role of VTS operators in traffic conditions and the potential impact of STM service individuals on VTS operations from the perspective of social technology systems [ 22 ].…”

Navigators’ views of a collision avoidance decision support system for maritime navigation

“…These functions provide additional information about surrounding traffic and allow information exchange between ships to enable operators to make more informed decisions based on real-time information. The results from the STM project indicate that, although several of the STM services were useful, they caused changes to existing work practices which could impact communication structures, workload, and situational awareness (Aylward et al, 2020a, 2020b). This work highlighted the need for an increased research focus on the potential impacts of low-level automation within the maritime socio-technical system.…”