Overview
From the thrusters on smaller, but numerous, harbour support vessels through to the pod-drives on cruise ships and ocean going liners, azimuthing control has rapidly established itself in the maritime industry. But while the industry has risen to meet the demand, this rapid evolution has not allowed sufficient time for the propagation of knowledge throughout the different disciplines. Though the various sectors of the industry each have their own expertise, a lack of communication is both restricting progress and is compromising safety and security. In addition, much work is being repeated unnecessarily.
The aim was to improve (through policy and design) the safety and security of ships by taking into account the man-machine interface and the training of maritime pilots, specifically in the case of operating ships equipped with azimuthing control devices.
To address this problem, the project provided a forum for technical review and cross-disciplinary discussion between the key industry sectors, specifically:
- the specialist in HYDRODYNAMIC MODELLING and testing, both theoretical and experimental, and expert in the understanding of azimuthing control and propulsion devices;
- the designers and manufacturers of MARINE SIMULATION software, hardware and physical models that are used for the training of marine pilots. Including, the designers, human factors specialists and manufactures of automation and control systems, joystick systems and graphical user interfaces;
- the MARITIME TRAINING facilities using both numerical and physical simulation tool and specialist in the theory and practice of human factors (physical and behavioural components) and specialist in the training of bridge-crews and pilots;
- practitioners in OPERATIONAL PRACTICE including maritime pilots, ship operators/managers, pilot association and end users. And including, Maritime Authorities and Regulators specifically interested in policy and regulation.
Funding
Results
The four main outputs include:
- the publication of a dedicated technical journal;
- guidelines for a dedicated maritime training programme;
- data for a dedicated engineering lecture series;
- recommendations for specific regulations and criteria.
Strategy targets
1. An efficient and integrated mobility system
1.3. Secure transport
1.4. Acting on transport safety