Capability prediction: An effective way to improve navigational performance

The potential benefit of predictive information for navigation support was investigated in a simulator study. Twelve participants had to guide a mediu m-size vessel across a traffic separation scheme. In the simulator, critica l vessel traffic scenarios were created, where participants were provided w ith: (i) baseline Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) information, and (ii) baseline ARPA information supplemented with capability prediction informat ion. This is information that shows the predicted manoeuvring margins of th e vessel, indicating the predicted boundaries of safe operation. Results of the experiment indicate that capability prediction allows better anticipat ion by the navigator, significantly improving ship navigation performance.