Human factors research in the marine field has become a primary interest for the Centre for Marine Simulation. The Centre has completed numerous studies in the area of motion induced interruptions, motion sickness, and integrated bridge designs and how these factors affect a mariners cognitive and physical performance and situational awareness, the ability of a mariner to complete assigned tasks efficiently and the probability or risk of injury on the job.

The Centre works with various organizations, nationally and internationally, to improve simulation capabilities to support this research and to enhance the understanding of the key human factor issues such as cognitive performance (such as decision making under stress), ergonomics (the man-machine interface), and organizational factors (such as procedures).

The following are examples of research projects:

Automatic Identification Systems - Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems Trials

Investigated optimal display colours for automatic identification systems and added motion as a secondary study to determine if motion changed the way users searched for targets on the display system.

DRDC and NATO Human Performance Trials

Assessed the feasibility of controlling the motions of the bridge simulator to achieve a moderate severity of motion sickness for a sustainable time. The secondary goal was to examine the reliability of self-assessment of performance effects that may be experienced by the subjects.

A reliable method for future testing was developed.

Digital Selective Calling Evaluations

Investigated the impacts of motion on the ability of mariners to use digital selective calling radios.

Effects of Moderate Sea Sickness on Estimating Task Duration

Tested the null hypothesis that moderate sea sickness symptomatology has no effect on the accuracy of estimating task duration.

Effects of Moderate Sea Sickness on Estimating Task Duration

Evaluated the changes in body core temperature with respect to motion sickness and investigated the use of drugs in suppressing the changes in body temperature.

Generic Visuals for Dynamic Positioning System

Investigated whether visuals enhanced the learning environment for dynamic positioning training.

Integrated Navigation System Human Performance Evaluation

Determined the influence of motion, noise and vibration on the situational awareness of watchkeeping officers performing complex navigation tasks and evaluated the design of integrated navigation systems to assess their influences upon watchkeeper situational awareness in operational contexts.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Lifting Trials

Examined the suitability of seakeeping procedures and their relationship to the occurrences of motion induced interruptions, task efficiency and risk of injury (with a focus on the lower back).

Visualization on Presence

Investigated whether upgraded visuals in a dynamic positioning simulator will enhance a student's learning experience.

The Centre for Marine Simulation's focus of research is modeling and simulating harsh environments. The objective of this research is to improve the safety and efficiency of offshore operations in harsh maritime environments through the development of innovative modeling and simulation capabilities focused on reducing human error.

It addresses industry demand for more accurate, innovative and reliable solutions to human factor challenges within the design and delivery of training programs for harsh environments (with a specific focus on ice management).

The following is an example of a research project:

Ice Maneuvring for the Full Mission Bridge Simulator

Developed first-year level ice models to incorporate into CMS's Bridge simulator, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada.

One of the main goals for the Centre for Marine Simulation is to build a federate system; that is, a system of simulators that can interact with one another in real-time.

For industry, this will create an immersive simulation environment capable of replicating a real world scenario that can be rehearsed by several members of a ship's crew (including navigation officers, marine engineers and remotely operated vehicle pilots) at the same time.

This will allow for the development of realistic scenarios to replicate an operation where risk to personnel, the ship or the environment is involved. Being able to undertake an operation in a simulated environment under realistic conditions allows for procedural evaluation and the ability to study the effects of something going wrong or a worst-case scenario.

Different corrective actions can be trialed, recorded and assessed using a full simulation suite that can recreate the conditions exactly for each situation.

The following are examples of research projects:

Integrated Bridge and Dynamic Positioning Simulators and the Development of Taut Hawser Loading Simulation

Integrated bridge and dynamic positioning simulation technologies to develop more realistic scenarios for offshore clients.

Integrated Bridge, Dynamic Positioning, and Remotely Operated Vehicle Simulators

Integrated bridge, dynamic positioning and remotely operated vehicle simulation technologies to develop more realistic scenarios for students and external clients.

The Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) collaborates with industry partners and research colleagues to develop new simulation products that enhance training opportunities for the marine industry. By utilizing a suite of advanced simulation equipment and technical expertise CMS can assist with assessing equipment being designed for use onboard ships.

By interfacing with CMS's simulation facilities ergonomic factors such as ease of use and functionality can be tested. As the Centre has direct links into the shipping industry, mariners can be part of technology evaluation and provide real user feedback.

The following are examples of research projects:

Decision Making Simulation Tool for Ice Management

Developed a prototype tool that provided the capability to view resources, facilities and threats in the offshore operational area, which will assist the user in executing decisions such as the deployment of iceberg search and towing facilities.

Fishing Vessel Stability Simulator

Developed an interactive simulation tool designed to teach fish harvesters across Canada concepts of stability.

The Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) has a unique ability to test the limitations of its technology and push it beyond the purpose for which it was originally designed. CMS can bring innovative ideas to fruition through the use of in-house technology and technical expertise.

In the spirit of technology transfer, researchers and industry are able to use the Centre's facilities for testing and experimentation of industry applications completely unrelated to the marine field. It's just a matter of asking, "Can it be done"? Come and find out.

The following is an example of a research project:

Skyscraper Motion Simulation

Utilized the Centre's full mission bridge simulator, and client wind tunnel data, to test the movements of super tall buildings during various wind conditions.