Document

Author
Kiome A. Pope, Victoria A. Banks, Aaron P. J. Roberts, & Neville A. Stanton
Abstract
In a submarine control room, the Officer of the Watch is reliant on a number of systems to inform decision making, including, Sonar, Optronics, and Radar Electronic Support Measures. The current work examines the Radar Electronic Support Measures System from a sociotechnical systems perspective using a high fidelity simulator. The Radar Electronic Support Measures System facilitates effective submarine operation; therefore, it is critical to assess whether the Radar Electronic Support Measures System is being utilised effectively. Eight participants completed two scenarios at high and low demand, and the transcripts of these formed the basis for Social Network Analysis. Results indicated that operators increased communications as a result of increased scenario demand. Furthermore, it was revealed that there was a high volume of communications between the Radar Electronic Support Measures Operator and the Operations Officer. Results are discussed, along with recommendations and areas for future work.