Virtual Reality in Support of Maritime Rescue Training

Abstract

One of the main missions of the maritime authorities is to provide safety for people at sea. This task often involves specialized trained professionals either lifeguards at the beaches, as well as divers assigned to search & rescue (SAR) ships and helicopters. Training professionals for rescue operations at sea is a demanding process due to the challenging requirements of the real scenarios, frequently involving harsh weather conditions. Nevertheless, such training is critical to ensure the safety of the team and ensure the success of future rescue missions. The current paper describes the process followed in the design and development of an interactive environment using virtual reality, designed for the training of maritime rescue teams. The process resorted to interdisciplinary domains, such as user experience, gamification and storytelling, for delivering a product usable, motivating, efficiency and fun. The final validation of the solution is performed through usability tests with a sample of lifeguards and divers that experienced the VR solution. The rescue professionals are submitted to a survey in order to evaluate users’ effectiveness, satisfaction and ease of learn. Results are analyzed to assessing the degree of compliance of the final product with the requirements and gather requirements for the next development iteration.