Performance differences in lifeboat launching procedures between IVR training and traditional practical lessons in maritime safety education

Abstract This research investigated the potential improvement of IVR on procedural practical knowledge in maritime safety education in a lifeboat case study. Participants were divided into three groups: a VR, control and VR+ group. A practical test exam with a real lifeboat was conducted to evaluate the differences in number of students passed/failed and overall performances in the execution of lifeboat launching procedures between groups. There was no evidence that the VR students had a higher success rate than students in the control group in correctly and safely performing a lifeboat drill. However, VR students’ overall performances on procedural correctness were significantly better than those of the control group, despite that the VR students never practiced with a physical lifeboat. Given the importance of safety in the maritime industry, it is worthwhile to further investigate to what extent IVR can provide a solution to the current limitations in maritime safety education.