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A study of the effects of spatial contiguity and hierarchically structured headings in a shipboard operating and maintenance manual

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Abstract

The notion of operating and maintenance manuals being validated as fit for purpose is based largely on conjecture, as causal factors contributing to rule-based (procedure-based) human error at sea are under-theorised and under-researched. Human factors theories offer little in terms of framework as to the constitution of a bad rule. In this study, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) operating and maintenance manual was assessed against two rule-based error-provoking markers identified through literature review. The contribution of the original and subsequently modified OEM operating and maintenance manuals towards both behaviour modification and rule-based error was assessed through a workshop-based study. Randomly selected seafaring participants were tasked with the responsibility of executing a typical shipboard operational procedure by referring to an original or modified version of the manual. The study supported the following hypotheses: (1) the hierarchical access structure of headings in an operating and maintenance manual supports the primary function of selection, and (2) the efficacy of inference in a procedure-based task is dependent upon the spatial contiguity of corresponding text and illustrations in an operating and maintenance manual. The findings of this study suggest that a nexus exists between the structure of operating and maintenance manuals, behaviour modification and human error. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a need for further research into specific causal factors contributing towards rule-based error in shipboard operating and maintenance tasks.

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Acknowledgments

The author thanks his PhD supervision team at Southampton Solent University for their contribution and support: Dr David Gatfield, Professor Mike Barnett, Dr Ann Read and Associate Professor Claire Pekcan. The author also thanks the Team Leader, Sam Samuels, at the John Thornycroft Engineering Workshop, Warsash Maritime Academy, for his enthusiasm for this study and for providing equipment expertise to assist with the experiment.

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  1. Faculty of Maritime and Technology, Southampton Solent University, E Park Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0YN, UK

    Paul Edward Doherty

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  1. Paul Edward Doherty
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Correspondence to Paul Edward Doherty.

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Doherty, P.E. A study of the effects of spatial contiguity and hierarchically structured headings in a shipboard operating and maintenance manual. WMU J Marit Affairs 15, 97–125 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-015-0090-4

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