Stress and Gaze Point Analysis for Assessment of Skilled Ship Operators’ Lookout and Avoidance Maneuvering Skills

Abstract

Automated traffic control is advancing for a variety of vehicles, with the demonstration of unmanned driving and the establishment of technical requirements making particular headway in the automotive field. In the marine sector, steps are also being taken to realize maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) to reduce transportation costs, protect the environment, and address shortages in seafarer manpower. This includes international efforts, such as an examination of treaty requirements and regulatory hurdles facing MASS at the 103rd session of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO MSC103). However, the ultimate issue facing the realization of MASS is the need for unmanned operation to address questions of human recognition and judgment in ship operation that cannot be easily quantified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the skills related ship operation, particularly skilled operator-level recognition of maneuvering environments and determination of ship maneuvers. Specifically, the utilization of behavioral and physiological data for quantitative evaluation is proposed. To do so, line-of-sight (gaze point), and heart rate fluctuations were selected as behavioral and physiological data. Simulator experiments were then conducted to analyze the relationship between the measured physiological data and the distance from other vessels, closest point of approach, time to closest point of approach, bearing rate, and so on.