Sensemaking i sikkerhetskritiske situasjoner

The operation of ships and mobile drilling units are increasingly dependent on ICT based control systems (e.g. dynamic positioning and ballasting/stability. Such systems play a crucial role in the handling of critical situations, by presenting safety-critical information that allows operators to make sense of the situation. The growing dependence on such systems changes work processes, competence requirements, and above all, it introduces new types of risk into maritime operations. This is the topic of this project.

We will study and improve the technical, human and organizational capabilities The term sensemaking refers to the way actors combine the bits and pieces of information they have, and make decisions on this basis. Importantly, this process involves tight interaction between humans and technology that places high demands on the quality of technology, the experience of the operator, and the education and training of seamen and operators. Our key cases are the design and use of dynamic positioning and ballasting systems in critical situations. Anchor handling operations of drilling rigs in the high north is given particular attention, as these are operations with huge amounts of energy involved and where situations may switch quickly from normal operations to critical situations.

The vision of SMACS is to create knowledge on how to enhance the technological, human and organizational capabilities needed to be able to handle safety critical situations. The project's research questions are the following:

1) What are the characteristics of sensemaking and resilience in safety-critical situations?

2)What are the needed human, technological and organisational factors to support sensemaking and resilience in safety-critical situations?

3)What are the characteristics of an HMI that facilitates sensemaking and resilience in safety-critical situations

4)What are the characteristics of training methods that promote the development of sensemaking?