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Research into Effects on Cognitive Performance of Maritime Watch-Keepers under Different Watch Patterns, Workloads & Conditions, with Reality Usage of Ships Bridge, Engine & Cargo Control Simulators

PROJECTS
Funding
European
European Union
Duration
-
Status
Complete with results
Geo-spatial type
Other
Total project cost
€3 821 139
EU Contribution
€2 841 469
Project Acronym
HORIZON
STRIA Roadmaps
Connected and automated transport (CAT)
Transport mode
Waterborne icon
Transport policies
Societal/Economic issues,
Safety/Security
Transport sectors
Passenger transport,
Freight transport

Overview

Call for proposal
FP7-SST-2008-RTD-1
Link to CORDIS
Background & Policy context

The HORIZON project addressed concerns over the increasing losses (human, financial and environmental) of maritime accidents which frequently cite fatigue as a contributory cause. This is a major issue at a time when the high demand for shipping capacity has led to shortages of well-qualified and experienced seafarers.

Objectives

The project set out to define and undertake scientific methods for measurement of fatigue in various realistic seagoing scenarios using bridge, engine-room and cargo simulators. It assessed the impact of fatigue on decision-making performance and determined optimal settings for minimising those risks to both ship and seafarer.

Methodology

Three simulator-equipped institutes collaborated to ensure that enough runs of sufficient duration were undertaken to replicate ship-board conditions of operation, with real-life scenarios of voyage, workload and interruptions. Specialist input from a stress research institute, skilled in transport operations research, set the requirements for fatigue measurement and determining performance degradation of watch-keepers. Results were analysed and recommendations made for application by interested parties, including ship owners, maritime regulators and those setting requirements for manning and operation of ships. The project output is a management toolkit with software and guidance notes.

Involvement of a classification society, seafarer officer's union and six stakeholder partners provided expert objectivity of the project and its results, as well as widening routes for dissemination and exploitation.

HORIZON surpassed past subjective fatigue studies, highlighting the problem, and produced validated, statistically robust results for use in decision making. The project resulted in: (i) increased safety and security, (ii) reduced fatalities, and (iii) a methodology for reducing human error.

Funding

Parent Programmes
Institution Type
Public institution
Institution Name
The European Commission
Type of funding
Public (EU)
Specific funding programme
FP7-TRANSPORT

Results

Fatigue was measured in various realistic seagoing scenarios using bridge simulators, engine-room simulators and cargo simulators. The impact of fatigue on decision-making performance was also measured. Optimal settings for minimising those risks to both ship and seafarer were determined.

Innovation aspects

Maritime accidents frequently cite fatigue as a contributory cause. This is a major issue at a time when the high demand for shipping capacity has led to shortages of well-qualified and experienced seafarers. The use of simulators for measuring the impact of fatigue, was an innovative aspect in the project.

Strategy targets

An efficient and integrated mobility system: Acting on transport safety (saving thousands of lives)

Partners

Lead Organisation
Organisation
Southampton Solent University
Address
East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO14 0YN, United Kingdom
EU Contribution
€1 303 231
Partner Organisations
Organisation
Intertanko
Address
Minories 30-33, London, EC3N 1DD, United Kingdom
EU Contribution
€30 900
Organisation
Bureau Veritas
Address
Boulevard du Château 67-71, 92571 NEUILLY SUR SEINE, France
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€79 978
Organisation
Nautilus International
Address
High Road 750-760, London, E11 3BB, United Kingdom
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€166 072
Organisation
European Community Shipowners Associations
Address
Rue Ducale, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€30 900
Organisation
Charles Taylor & Co Ltd
Address
St Katharine's Way 1, London, E1W 1UT, United Kingdom
EU Contribution
€22 058
Organisation
International Harbour Masters' Association*ihma
Address
Fareham Hampshire, Fareham, PO17 5XZ, United Kingdom
EU Contribution
€31 052
Organisation
Maritime And Coastguard Agency
Address
Commercial Road - Spring Place 105, Southampton, SO15 1EG, United Kingdom
EU Contribution
€30 640
Organisation
Marine Accident Investigation Branch
Address
Mountbatten House, Grosvenor Square, Southampton, SO15 2DZ, United Kingdom
EU Contribution
€30 970
Organisation
Stockholms Universitet
Address
UNIVERSITETSVAGEN 10, 10691 STOCKHOLM, Sweden
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€330 560
Organisation
Chalmers Tekniska Hoegskola Ab
Address
41296 GOTHENBURG, Sweden
Organisation website
EU Contribution
€785 108

Technologies

Technology Theme
Infrastructure management
Technology
Bridge and cargo simulators to measure fatigue at sea
Development phase
Research/Invention

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