Human Factors in Support of the Coast Guard Advanced Marine Vessels Test and Evaluation Effort

Abstract

During the past two (2) years the U. S. Coast Guard's Office of Research and Development has conducted numerous operational evaluations of “advanced marine vessels” (AMV). Among these are:

Small Wetted Area Twin Hull (SWATH); Hydrofoil; and Surface Effect Ships (SES).

This paper outlines the broad-based human factors RDT&E effort to support Coast Guard AMV test and evaluation needs to: Improve existing AMV vessel designs and vessel systems through Human Factors Engineered systems designs, Examine and assess AMV concepts and key subsystems to determine man/ machine problems and possible solutions, Develop, if necessary, new capabilities to monitor, control, and correct Human Factors Engineering problems uncovered during further AMV tests and evaluations, and Test and evaluate new and existing AMVs and technology systems and subsystems to determine their impact on the man/ machine interface.

The generation and distribution of new and available HFE technical data to the AMV T&E team (and vessel designers/ users) as necessary, aid to the AMV T&E team (and the user) in the integration of HFE technology to the AMV end product represent key deliverables of this research effort.

This research does not address a single marine vehicle, system concept, or Coast Guard program, but is structured to provide the framework for identifying, developing, assessing, and disseminating human factors technology in support of the AMV test and evaluation program. Current research efforts and results will be discussed.