Thesis

Development of human response models and human oriented criteria for noise on board ships

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2014
Thesis identifier
  • T13881
Qualification Level
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Working at sea has traditionally been perceived by society as an arduous but rewarding occupation. Competitive markets, minimal manning and an increase in the prevalence of technology have led to the profession of a seafarer evolving from being focused on skills of a physical nature to those requiring an increased cognitive approach. This has resulted in human performance and wellbeing becoming more significant in securing the health and safety of the individual, and the safety and efficiency of the system. The impact of noise on human performance and wellbeing is an area which has not been appropriately addressed in the maritime domain but has been attributed in literature to hearing loss, fatigue, performance reduction, stress and ultimately accidents. In this thesis, through a review of literature, an assessment of noise exposure levels of crew on board ships, an experimental study measuring performance in relation to noise and the collection and analysis of real human response data from ships; statistical models for predicting human response to noise on board ships have been developed. Then, through utilisation of the human response models a new human oriented noise criteria and design methodology is proposed. In this body of research the main findings include: the strong suggestion that health is at risk due to noise on board ships; evidence that human performance is being affected by background noise levels and; the establishment of a statistically significant relationship which predicts noise in relation to performance. It is envisaged that this research will be utilised by ship designers in estimating the human response to noise at the design stage. Overall, this research has made a significant contribution in addressing the effects of noise on human performance and wellbeing in the maritime domain. In future research it is anticipated that the findings of this research can be combined with the other factors affecting human response on board ships.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2014
Former identifier
  • 1041727

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