Exploratory Surveys of Human Factors on Offshore Supply Vessels in the Norwegian Sea

摘要

Surveys of human factors on offshore supply vessels (OSV) were conducted using the qualitative approaches of observations, interviews, and discussions. The purpose of this study was to explore how "human factors" is considered in ship design. Certain problems that were mentioned in previous studies were reexamined. A human factors framework was adopted, further developed, and subsequently applied for the survey. Two different state-of-the-art offshore supply vessel designs (OSVs) were selected as samples. The results of human factors application in ship design are presented. Selected significant improvements are identified, both in design and operation, but several issues still remain. Typical problems that are recognized include noise disturbance, ergonomics issues, layout limitations, and limited space. Novel problems due to the application of new technologies are also identified. Common problems are also noted, such as an overwhelming number of alarms, communications, checklists, and procedures. Different levels of compliance in various human factor dimensions are recognized, of which habitability was the most satisfactory and maintainability was the least satisfactory.