Mental Workload of Simulator-based Training Using a Physiological Index: The Relationship between Trainers and Trainees

It takes a great deal of time and money to turn a person with no knowledge or experience into a seafarer. However, these costs can be reduced using education and training via a simulator. In simulator-based education and training, on-site situations can be replicated, while it is also possible to freely alter both the situations of other ships and other external influences. Furthermore, this means that simulator-based training is effective not only for people with no knowledge or experience but also for those with existing experience. One of the people who supports this training is the operator, who is part of the training team. If the operator does not have a sufficient amount of skill, it is impossible for other ships to function naturally. Even if the developed training content is very good, positive training effects cannot be expected without the skill of the operator. Therefore, the operator's skills is essential to produce high-quality training for those using the technology at any level. The operators themselves can be either seafarers or non-seafarers and be placed in charge even if they do not have a license as a seafarer. However, qualifying as a seafarer does not mean that the individual will be placed in charge immediately. We think operators have a special position in the training process and represent the main key to achieving success in simulator-based training. In this study, we focused on the operators and investigated their role by comparing it with that of the captain, who is rich in knowledge and experience as a seafarer. A physiological index is designed to evaluate the mental workload, heart rate, and frequency components of the R-R interval of heart rate variability. This paper shows the mental workloads of both the navigator and the operator, while considering their mental relation using LF/HF values.