Cognitive effects of first- and third-person perspectives on navigational safety and efficiency in ship operation learning

Remote ship operation involves analysing information from various perspectives. However, a standardized educational approach for training remote ship operators is lacking. This study addresses the challenges posed by the cognitive attributes of individuals using remote ship operation and monitoring systems by investigating how different perspectives (first- vs. third-person) impact skill acquisition in ship operation. It introduces the ‘cognitive approach limit circle’ (CLC) concept, a decision-making criterion in ship operation, and formulate two hypotheses. The study conducted repeated ship operation trials from both perspectives in congested traffic scenarios over 100 iterations, analysing the learning trajectory regarding safety and efficiency. Accordingly, mitigating safety and efficiency inclination differences between perspectives is challenging. However, repeated exposure to ship operation experiences facilitates the acquisition of safety and efficiency skills that align with the cognitive attributes of the information utilized. Therefore, in training remote ship operators, initial emphasis on collision avoidance through exercises based on qualitative perceptual data—such as object orientation changes and distance perceived directly through retinal image alterations—rather than quantitative computer-generated information promotes the development of CLC awareness tailored to individual capabilities.