The Effects of Buoy Density and Buoy Flashing Pattern on Steering Through a Channel Bend

摘要

Varying densities of buoys placed on the outside edge of a 35 degree turn were assessed in terms of their effect on steering a VLCC through the channel bend. Low, medium, and high densities of buoys representing 1 1/4 nm spacing, 1/2 nm spacing and 1/8 nm spacing respectively were investigated and compared to a condition in which a Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI) was employed. In general, the results demonstrated that too little information was provided by the 1 1/4 nm spacing condition when compared to the 1/2 nm spacing condition. It was also found that too much information as defined by the 1/8 nm spacing condition created a rigid perceptual barrier which the pilots attempted to avoid by keeping further to the right of the channel at the turn point. Optimal performance in steering the turn was induced by the medium density buoyed turn (i.e., 1/2 nm) with the ROTI condition running a close second. The effect of simple perceptual principles in affording motion and position information for steering channel bends is discussed. (Author)