Approaching full autonomy in the maritime domain: paradigm choices and Human Factors challenges

There are different opinions and strategies on how to deal with the transition to fully autonomous systems. In this paper, we will address the human factors challenges when a mixed-control approach is chosen, and develop the key concepts for human-automation collaboration design for highly automated settings. In addressing autonomy and the role of the human in control in a maritime context, we should be aware of significant differences with the automotive and aviation domains. For example, the reaction times differ tremendously, which does not mean that within the maritime domain time-critical operations do not exist. Furthermore, in the maritime domain there are more options to return to a safe state, and there is more freedom in designing the environment in which a vessel should operate. Also, in a shore control center, necessary skills might be maintained better when more vessels are operated at the same time. These differences may lead to the conclusion that autonomy at sea is currently more feasible than, for instance, at the road. The approach taken in this paper, is that even fully autonomous systems should be considered within a joint human-automation framework. Since 'autonomy' refers to self-directedness and selfsufficiency, it is possible, even when the levels are high, that they fall short when complexity of the environment increases or when automation fails. Within a joint human-automation framework it is not about the operator taking over tasks from the automation, but adapting towards a more suitable collaboration style for the situation. Such a 'collaboration framework' is taken as starting point for developing an Intelligent Operator Support Systems for the maritime domain.