Dual-task training to offset technologically induced human error: justification and call for further research

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is a lack of published research examining ways to mitigate the effects of attention on human error prevalence in the marine setting. Evidence from the aviation industry, a very similar field, shows that attention does impact performance, especially when more than one task is to be completed at the same time. Much like pilots, mariners are constantly completing tasks concurrently, and thus need to be able to disperse their attention over multiple sources of incoming information. Manipulating attention through effective education is proposed to reduce the rates of human error at sea. The relationship between attention, dual-task learning, and human information processing is explored in an attempt to provide a foundation for future researchers to dive deeper into this issue and create a curriculum that focuses on instilling attention allocation skills in novices.