The retention of skills acquired through simulator-based training

This study examined the loss of skills across a nine month retention period following a simulator-based training programme developed to enhance the watchstanding skills of merchant marine cadets. The mitigation of decay as a function of a retraining experience was also evaluated. Two groups of merchant marine cadets were tested immediately preceding and following the programme and again nine months later. One group was given a refresher experience and tested six months into the retention interval. The evaluations were unobtrusive ratings of six watchstanding skill areas based upon performance during a 30-min simulated watchkeeping scenario. Generally, the results indicated that: (1) watchstanding skills improved following training; (2) skills declined over the nine month retention interval; and (3) refresher training was effective in terms of skill loss mitigation for some skill areas.