A Game-Based VR Application for Ship Fire Drill and Evacuation Training in the Industrial Metaverse (Conference Paper Preprint)

Core Concepts

This paper presents a novel VR application for ship fire drill and evacuation training, highlighting the potential of gamified VR experiences within the Industrial Metaverse for enhancing safety knowledge and decision-making skills in the maritime industry.

Abstract

Bibliographic Information:

Hamed-Ahmed, M. H., Fraga-Lamas, P., & Fernández-Caramés, T. M. (2024, September 25–27). Towards the Industrial Metaverse: A Game-Based VR Application for Fire Drill and Evacuation Training for Ships and Shipbuilding. In The 29th International ACM Conference on 3D Web Technology (WEB3D ’24). Guimarães, Portugal. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 6 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3665318.3678229

Research Objective:

This research paper presents the development and preliminary evaluation of a game-based VR application designed to train ship crews and shipbuilding operators in fire drill and evacuation procedures, aligning with the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention requirements. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this gamified VR training tool in improving user decision-making and risk assessment skills during simulated fire emergencies.

Methodology:

The researchers developed a VR application using Unity Editor and Blender, simulating fire scenarios in a cargo ship's galley and engine room. The application features four difficulty levels with varying fire intensities and requires trainees to follow SOLAS procedures for fire detection, reporting, alarm activation, and decision-making regarding extinguishing or evacuation. A preliminary user evaluation was conducted with ten students, measuring their performance based on time taken to complete each level and adherence to safety protocols.

Key Findings:

The preliminary user evaluation revealed that participants with prior video gaming experience demonstrated faster completion times and better navigation within the VR environment. All trainees, regardless of gaming experience, showed improvement in their understanding and execution of SOLAS fire drill procedures as they progressed through the levels. However, the study also identified areas for improvement, including the need for clearer guidance within the application, real-time task tracking, and additional features to enhance realism and user experience.

Main Conclusions:

The paper concludes that gamified VR applications hold significant potential for effective fire drill and evacuation training in the maritime industry. The developed application, while requiring further refinement, demonstrates the capacity of VR to provide immersive, engaging, and safe training experiences that can enhance safety knowledge and decision-making skills among ship crews and shipbuilding personnel.

Significance:

This research contributes to the growing field of VR applications for safety training, particularly within the maritime industry where fire emergencies pose significant risks. The development of a gamified VR training tool aligned with international safety regulations like SOLAS offers a cost-effective and engaging alternative to traditional fire drill methods, potentially leading to improved safety practices and reduced accidents at sea.

Limitations and Future Research:

The study acknowledges limitations in the preliminary user evaluation, including a small sample size and the potential for motion sickness experienced by some participants. Future research should focus on addressing these limitations by conducting larger-scale evaluations with diverse user groups, incorporating features to mitigate motion sickness, and further enhancing the application's realism and functionality based on user feedback.

Stats

Fire accidents on ships caused 132% more fatalities than other shipboard accidents between 2011 and 2015.
Fire accidents accounted for 24% of total ship accidents between 2011 and 2015.
VR training in shipyards showed a 14.05% increase in safety knowledge and a 68.13% cost reduction in a previous study.
Level 1 of the VR fire drill application took 45 seconds to extinguish the fire, 28 seconds longer than Level 3.

Quotes

"Fires occur more often in the engine room and galley due to machinery, oil and electrical faults."
"The game-based proposal proposed in this paper offers hands-on development to guide researchers in creating effective training tools for ships within current regulatory frameworks."
"As the levels progressed, trainees moved faster and understood the fire drill better, indicating that the gamified approach effectively facilitates rapid learning of the SOLAS procedure."

Key Insights Distilled From

Towards the Industrial Metaverse: A Game-Based VR Application for Fire Drill and Evacuation Training for Ships and Shipbuilding

by Musaab H. Ha... at arxiv.org 11-05-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.01895.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the integration of haptic feedback and other sensory stimuli enhance the realism and effectiveness of VR fire drill training?

Integrating haptic feedback and other sensory stimuli can significantly enhance the realism and effectiveness of VR fire drill training by providing a more immersive and engaging experience. Here's how:

Increased Realism: Haptic feedback can simulate the feeling of heat radiating from a fire, the spray of a fire extinguisher, or the weight and resistance of safety equipment. This added layer of sensory information makes the simulation feel more real and increases the trainee's sense of presence within the virtual environment.
Enhanced Emotional Response: By engaging multiple senses, VR training can elicit a stronger emotional response from trainees. Feeling the heat of the fire and the rush of adrenaline can create a more memorable and impactful learning experience, leading to better retention of safety procedures.
Improved Muscle Memory: Haptic feedback allows trainees to physically practice using safety equipment like fire extinguishers and hoses in a safe environment. This repeated interaction helps develop muscle memory, making it more likely that they will react instinctively and correctly in a real-life emergency.
Multi-Sensory Learning: Incorporating stimuli like smoke (visual), heat (haptic), and the sound of a fire alarm (auditory) caters to different learning styles. This multi-sensory approach can improve knowledge retention and comprehension, especially for trainees who learn best through hands-on experience.
Examples of implementation:

Haptic vests: Can simulate the sensation of heat from a fire.
Haptic gloves: Can provide feedback when interacting with objects like fire extinguishers or door handles.
Olfactory devices: Can introduce the smell of smoke, further enhancing the realism.
By incorporating these sensory elements, VR fire drill training can transcend the limitations of traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive and effective learning experience that better prepares individuals for real-world emergencies.

Could the reliance on VR for safety training lead to a decrease in real-world preparedness or create an over-reliance on technology in actual emergency situations?

While VR safety training offers numerous advantages, there's a valid concern that over-reliance on it could potentially lead to a decrease in real-world preparedness or create an over-reliance on technology in actual emergencies.
Here's a balanced perspective:
Potential Risks:

Lack of Real-World Stressors: VR simulations, even with added sensory stimuli, cannot fully replicate the stress, fear, and sensory overload of a real fire. This difference could lead to overconfidence and a gap in preparedness when facing an actual emergency.
Dependence on Technology: If individuals solely train in a VR environment, they might struggle to adapt and react effectively in real-world situations where technology might be absent, malfunctioning, or unavailable.
Oversimplification of Scenarios: VR simulations, due to technical limitations or design choices, might oversimplify complex scenarios. This could lead to trainees developing a false sense of security and being ill-prepared for the unpredictable nature of real emergencies.
Mitigation Strategies:

Hybrid Training Approach: Combining VR training with traditional, hands-on drills and exercises can bridge the gap between the virtual and real world. This blended approach ensures trainees experience both the benefits of VR and the unpredictable nature of real-life situations.
Emphasis on Transfer of Skills: VR training programs should be designed to explicitly focus on the transfer of skills to real-world scenarios. Debriefing sessions after VR simulations can help trainees analyze their performance, identify areas for improvement, and discuss how virtual lessons apply to real-life emergencies.
Regular Real-World Drills: Consistent real-world fire drills remain crucial, even with the integration of VR training. These drills reinforce learned behaviors, familiarize individuals with actual safety equipment and procedures, and address potential gaps in preparedness.
In conclusion, while VR offers a valuable tool for safety training, it should be seen as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional methods. A balanced approach that combines VR with real-world practice and emphasizes the transfer of skills is essential to ensure individuals are truly prepared for emergencies.

What are the ethical considerations of simulating high-stress scenarios like fire emergencies in VR, and how can developers ensure user well-being and psychological safety?

Simulating high-stress scenarios like fire emergencies in VR presents significant ethical considerations regarding user well-being and psychological safety. Developers must prioritize ethical design and implementation to mitigate potential risks.
Ethical Considerations:

Emotional Distress: Exposure to highly realistic fire simulations can trigger anxiety, panic attacks, or even PTSD-like symptoms, especially in individuals with pre-existing trauma or phobias related to fire.
Exacerbating Vulnerabilities: VR experiences can be highly immersive, potentially blurring the lines between simulation and reality. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with cognitive disabilities or those prone to disassociation, who might find it difficult to separate the virtual experience from real life.
Misuse and Negative Training Outcomes: If not designed and implemented ethically, VR fire simulations could potentially induce fear or panic rather than promote effective learning. This could lead to negative training outcomes and hinder real-world preparedness.
Ensuring User Well-being and Psychological Safety:

Pre-screening and Informed Consent: Developers should implement robust pre-screening measures to identify individuals who might be particularly vulnerable to experiencing adverse psychological effects. Obtaining informed consent is crucial, ensuring users fully understand the potential risks and benefits before participating.
Gradual Exposure and Control Mechanisms: VR experiences should allow for gradual exposure to stressful stimuli, enabling users to acclimate to the simulation at their own pace. Providing clear control mechanisms, such as pause buttons, safe spaces within the virtual environment, or the ability to adjust the intensity of the simulation, empowers users and reduces the risk of overwhelming experiences.
Post-Experience Debriefing: Offering structured debriefing sessions facilitated by trained professionals is essential. These sessions provide a safe space for users to process their emotions, discuss their reactions to the simulation, and address any potential anxieties or concerns that may arise.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Developers should strive to make VR fire simulations accessible to individuals with diverse needs and abilities. This includes providing options for adjusting sensory intensity, offering alternative control schemes, and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies.
By addressing these ethical considerations and prioritizing user well-being, developers can harness the power of VR for safety training while minimizing potential harm. Open communication, informed consent, and a focus on psychological safety are paramount to creating ethical and effective VR experiences.