Written and Simulator-Based Tests of Mariner Knowledge and Application of Rules of the Road

Abstract

This paper documents an initial study of the feasibility and potential value of developing an Interactive Rules of the Road Tester. Using an existing desk-top ship bridge simulator, a series of interactive exercises were developed to match the test objectives of a paper and pencil multiple-choice test currently administered to mariners by the U.S. Coast Guard. Both tests were administered to 100 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy students and biographical data relevant to Rules of the Road knowledge and application were obtained for each student. Analyses indicated that the separate test formats measured different aspects of students' competencies and that a test that combines both written items and interactive exercises has the potential to increase the overall level of test validity. Such a system is see as a cost-effective means of improving the assessment of mariner's knowledge and application of the Rules of the Road.

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