Effect of simulated freefall lifeboat training on launch skill acquisition

Dalton, Alan (2015) Effect of simulated freefall lifeboat training on launch skill acquisition. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Freefall lifeboats (FFLB) are used worldwide as a means for evacuation and escape. Currently, FFLB launch training is normally restricted to benign weather conditions due to the inherent risk to personnel safety and asset integrity. Under such circumstances, the coxswain cannot develop the heuristic techniques necessary for launching under more likely dangerous and unpredictable evacuation and environmental conditions. Simulators can provide enhanced training opportunities for these conditions, so long as the simulation technologies and training paradigms address the contextual, mathematical and behavior demands of the physical training. A high level of fidelity should invoke a level of participant presence suitable for performance-based learning and training objectives. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of post-launch feedback on the rate of skill acquisition of novice participants performing simulated FFLB launches. Participants in two independent groups each went through 24 consecutive simulated launches under varying sea-states and visual conditions. One group was given pictorial feedback about the quality of each launch. The rate of skill acquisition and time to launch of this group was compared to a group that had no feedback. Results show that: pictorial feedback did not affect launch success or time to launch of our FFLB launching trials, wave height had the greatest affect on launch success, visual clarity only had a significant affect on launch time in the no feedback group, and sense of presence was not affected by the inclusion of feedback or correlated to performance measures.

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