AT SEA EVALUATION OF LOW LEVEL WHITE LIGHTING ON SURFACE SHIPS

Combat Information Center (CIC) and bridge watchstanders from three surface ships participated in an evaluation of low level white (LLW) lighting during at-sea operations. At the end of each watch, subjects evaluated the lighting in use and rated the ease of performing various watchstanding tasks. LLW provided many advantages over the standard red or blue lighting, including less eye strain, less fatigue, fewer headaches, and less glare on CRT displays. Overall LLW lighting was preferred by two out of the three ships for use in the CIC area, but it was not considered to be an improvement for the bridge or the Commanding Officer's cabin. Recommendations are made for continued study of the operational use of LLW lighting on surface ships.