Review of helicopter underwater escape training (HUET) program for Canadian Coast Guard Helicopter Passengers
The primary objective of this report was to provide CCG/DFO senior management with relevant information that could be used when making a decision regarding the need for passenger HUET requirements. Therefore, information contained in this report focused on passenger populations (e.g., frequent, regular, and occasional flyers), training requirements, types of training available, refresher intervals, competency assessment process (i.e., pass/fail requirements), operational impact of training, level of investment, and tracking of competencies. Through the lens of a training needs analysis (TNA), specific information related to the objectives of HUET (e.g., increased survival rates), currently available HUET program delivery modalities, and processes used to achieve competency were used to identify a gap in skill knowledge crucial in the event of a helicopter ditching which results in a capsize and flooding of the cabin. The TNA specifically focused on identifying the current knowledge base of CCG/DFO passengers and the steps needed to prepare individuals to perform egress skills in the event of a ditching.
Adaptive learning technology - the future of marine fatigue risk mitigation
Working with an industry leader in learning solutions (Training Works Inc.) and a global leader in geospatial interoperability (Compusult), this project explored fatigue risk mitigation strategies in the marine industry. Funded through the Ocean Super Cluster, this project included the development of a fatigue monitoring application which incorporated biodata (realtime heart rate), subjective assessments of fatigue, sleep quality and duration, reaction time (psychomotor vigilance task), and vessel environmental conditions (movement, temperature, air quality, and vibration). The results from this project will be used to further develop a greater understanding of fatigue risk for a personal and industry-wide perspective.
Aircrew
In-flight emergency Response
We collected real-time physiological data such as heart rate, respiration rate, and galvanic skin response during simulated in-flight emergencies. We also collected flight instrument visual scanning through wireless eye tracking. The findings have been published in two peer-reviewed journal articles.
Helicopter underwater egress training
While working for several organizations, we have completed a number of studies to explore human performance during the completion of helicopter underwater egress training. Primary areas of focus explored the influence of crash attenuating seats, forces required to jettison emergency exits, immersion suit snag hazards analyses, integration of emergency breathing systems during egress, and how types of emergency exits influence overall survival rates. The results of these studies have been published in 15 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Cognition in
long-term cold exposure
To replicate the conditions that might be experienced after a ship grounding or plane crash in a remote northern location, we explored physiological and cognitive functioning during 24-hours of exposure at an ambient temperature 7.5ËšC. To date, this is the longest cold-exposure experiment ever completed under controlled conditions. Participants completed a battery of cognitive tests every 6 hours while all physiological functions (heart rate, respiration rate, and heat flow) were continuously monitored. Cortisol levels, neuromuscular functioning, and cold induced vasodilation measures were also collected at regular intervals. Findings from this study have been published in two peer-reviewed journal articles.
Offshore Emergency response
We explored the offshore emergency response process through a human system integration approach. Specifically, we considered the team's response in relationship to internal and external resources, available technology, and individuals involved in managing the situation. As part of this research, we developed an emergency response focus board that provided real-time visual aids to increase the level of situation awareness for the entire onshore and offshore team. The findings have been published in a peer-reviewed journal article.