An investigation of the effect of fatigue on ship engine room operators using fNIRS
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: 80 % of accidents in the maritime sector are due to human error. This could be the result of operator fatigue on top of daily tasks. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of fatigue as a Performance Shaping Factor(PSF) on seafarers. An engine room simulator study was conducted, using a TRANSAS 5000 series simulator, to investigate the influence fatigue has on human performance using a fault detection and correction task. 20 participants were recruited for the investigation; all 20 received training with the engine room simulator. The participants undertook a 30-min scenario where they had to detect and correct a fault. During this interaction, half of the participants experienced simulated increased fatigue. The other half were given a standard task. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) was utilised to measure neurophysiological activation from the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC). The use of fNIRS is the cornerstone of this studies novelty as brain-computer interface (BCI) fNIRS studies are rare in the maritime sector, and the use of BCI-fNIRS on engine room operators to assess their performance has never been done to date. The results indicated increased activation of lateral regions of the DLPFC during fault correction, this trend was significantly enhanced due to the addition of fatigue. From the results of this study, a scientific human error model was developed and can be used by the maritime industry to better evaluate and understand human error causation. This approach can provide guidance on implementing effective risk control measures, automation strategies, and training programs. By improving risk assessment, identifying optimal work-rest schedules, developing targeted training programs and identifying tasks suitable for automation we can create a significant impact on maritime safety. By reducing error rates within the engineering sector, it has the potential to generate significant financial savings. This model can also be applied in other areas such as aviation transportation through the engineering sector. This model could also be tailored to assess the majority of high-profile roles where error would have huge consequences within various sectors. A Pioneering Approach to a new generation of human reliability assessments using state of the art human factors techniques that can result in a safer workplace and reduced seafarer stress levels: This issue of Ocean Engineering sheds light on crew wellbeing in a novel study by Dr Steve Symes, Professor Jin Wang, Professor Steve Fairclough, Professor Zaili Yang, Associate Professor Eddie Blanco-Davis and Dr Edward Shaw entitled " An Investigation of the effect of fatigue on ship engine room operators using fNIRS”. The research investigates the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess the impact of increased fatigue on ship engine room operators. fNIRS is a non-invasive technique that measures brain activity by tracking blood flow changes. This study employs fNIRS to: • Quantify Mental Workload: By monitoring brain activity, researchers gain objective insights into the cognitive demands placed on engine room personnel during various operational scenarios. • Optimize Crew Performance: Understanding fatigue levels allows for better task allocation, risk mitigation strategies, and potentially improved bridge-engine room communication, ultimately enhancing crew performance and safety. • Inform Future Design: The findings can inform the design of future engine room interfaces and automation systems to minimize cognitive load and optimize brain-computer interface interaction. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize crew fatigue management and can be used in future research to asses; other workplace stressors, the daily duties of seafarers, training methods and equipment, fostering a safer and more efficient maritime environment.
Source: Ocean Engineering
Institution: Liverpool John Moores University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,150
OpenAlex ID: W4408562210