How vessel traffic service operators cope with complexity – only human performance absorbs human performance

Abstract

The Vessel Traffic Services is a control system in the maritime traffic system where the VTS operators need to cope with a complex environment to contribute to safe and efficient ship movements. By using cognitive task analysis (CTA), the study has explored how the VTS operators cope with complexity. The study shows how complexity requires the operators to have a large variety in their responses, and these responses are based on personal experience, organisational knowledge, teamwork, and communication. However, the combination of the operators’ experience and complexity in the environment lead to a large variation in the operators’ response.