Human factors aspects in a level IV vessel traffic system operations center

Abstract

This paper constitutes an investigation of human factors in U.S. Coast Guard operated vessel traffic system operations center in general and the San Francisco center in particular. Research involved in preparation of this thesis was accomplished by measurement, observation, job analysis by operational personnel and review of applicable human factors literature. These research steps resulted in a description of the operating system, task capability requirements, task-induced-demand analysis and comparison of the physical environment with published literature. Human factors aspects of the system having probable or possible detrimental effects on system effectiveness are pointed out, and quantified where possible. Experimentally proven steps to relieve these effects are presented as an aid for operational systems and designers of future systems.