ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates the use of various operational test and evaluation (OT&E) methods to address human-related needs in marine system design. An OT&E was requested to conduct human factors engineering assessments of ergonomic and safety deficiencies and to assess the suitability and effectiveness of the vessel to perform Coast Guard duties. The maritime system is fraught with human factors problems. Reviews of design and layout plans, as well as walk-throughs, were used to evaluate how well the vessel conformed to anthropometric standards and human factors guidelines to accommodate human psychophysiological tolerance limits. Besides the traditional application of human factors standards and techniques to determine design and performance problems, T&E methods were used to identify how training would need to be designed to prepare mariners for the transition from manual to automated operation. Crew members were instructed to think of the ideal motor lifeboat as the vessel with the optimal design, layout, equipment, and so forth to perform their duties.
