Towards an understanding of operator focus using eye-tracking in safety-critical maritime settings

In this paper we report on our investigations into determining foci of attention for operators during safety-critical maritime operations, in this case a dynamic positioning (DP) operation. We monitored operators carrying out operations in ship simulators while wearing eye-tracking equipment. The eye-tracking was carried out during a standard operation with normal sea conditions (2-3 m wave height and no significant wind force). For the next iteration of experiments that will be reported in our next publication, it will then be possible to test the correlation between standard operations and operations with environmental effects introduced. These investigations led to an understanding of where operators focus, for how long and estimated their pupil dilation during these operations to investigate if it can correlate with critical parts of the operation. We also investigated the difference between trainee operators and operators with considerable experience. Results are presented along with a discussion of lessons for the design and placement of computer displays and equipment for safe operations in ship bridge environments.