Maritime Simulator Training: Eye-Trackers to Improve Training Experience

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to explore the utility of eye tracking technology as a feedback tool in maritime simulator training to assess the trainee performance and to provide more valuable feedback for enhancing trainee-trainer experience. In maritime domain, advanced simulators are used to prepare students for extremely demanding and safety critical operations. However, very little study has been done to develop tools to improve learning as well as measure the learning outcomes. Current training assessment methods are mostly subjective and mainly rely on instructor’s verbal feedback. This paper researches new training method based on eye tracking technology for simulator training, and discusses their application to offshore maritime training. Dynamic positioning (DP) training has been chosen for this study since it is a mandatory system to have installed onboard all modern offshore vessels. A study was conducted with 10 first year nautical students to evaluate this new training method. An assessment checklist for the training outcome was developed based on best practices compliant with NWEA guidelines and used to quantify the student’s performance and to contrast the effectiveness of the new training method with the older one. Results from the study suggest that instructors were able to follow students more closely and were 43% more accurate in assessing their performance in simulator when eye trackers were used. Also using eye tracker, instructors managed to point out some bad practices of students such as too much attention on DP GUIs, which was otherwise not possible to monitor.

Keywords: Eye tracking in training; Maritime, Offshore simulator training, dynamic positioning, performance assessment, instructor’s feedback

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100724