From tacit knowledge to visual expertise: Eye-tracking support in maritime education and training

Abstract

The maritime pilot is an expert with knowledge on a specific navigational route. The maritime pilot cadet undergoes maritime education and training in classrooms, onboard vessels and in simulators. Developing visual expertise is a basic objective. Transferring knowledge from experienced maritime pilots to maritime pilot cadets is challenging since some of this knowledge is tacit. The transference is achieved by externalization and socialization processes. The objective of this pre-study was to assess eye-tracking methodology as a tool to support maritime education and training, and for transferring tacit knowledge. The study was performed in an explorative way during simulator sessions, by interviews, questionnaires and observations. The result shows that eye-tracking methodology is useful for transferring tacit knowledge in simulator settings, but not during other parts of the education and training. The results also show that situational awareness of maritime pilot instructors and maritime pilot cadets increases when utilizing eye-tracking methodology.