Effects of vibration and low-frequency motions on passengers and crew Using unique simulators, laboratory experimental research has explored effects of motion and vibration on human comfort, performance, and health. Motion sickness studies have included: Fore-and-aft oscillation Lateral oscillation Roll oscillation Combined lateral and roll oscillation Combined fore-and-aft and pitch oscillation Vertical oscillation Rotation of the visual field Dependence of motion sickness on low-frequency motions Effects of Deck Motions on Postural Stability Treadmill mounted on 6-axis simulator Crew Response to Motions of an Offshore Oil Production and Storage Vessel Effects of motions on crew members of an FPSO (floating production and storage offshore) were studied over a five-month period Vessel motions were continuously monitored during winter months (October to March) A questionnaire survey in the form of a “daily diary” was completed by crew members for each day offshore Conclusions Problems with physical tasks involving balancing, moving and carrying were most strongly associated with motion, followed by sleep problems Physical and mental tiredness, and cognitive aspects of task performance, were significantly associated with motions, but correlations were less strong than with physical tasks There was a rapid increase in great or severe problems (ratings of 3 or 4), when the daily average vertical acceleration increased above 0.6 ms -2 r.m.s. The model produces useful predictions of the accumulated illness ratings reported by persons exposed to combinations of lateral oscillation, roll oscillation and vertical oscillation in the ISVR laboratory studies Development of standards and guides for evaluation of human response to shipboard whole-body vibration Seat and deck-mounted accelerometers The Human Factors Research Unit conducts basic and applied research in human responses to vibration, including health effects, discomfort, performance, biodynamics, seating dynamics and motion sickness. Model for predicting illness ratings (IR): Probability (%) Acceleration (ms -2 r.m.s.) Subjective Measurements − Estimated probability of losing balance Independent variables Magnitude Frequency Direction of the oscillatory motion Dependent variables Subjective measurements (estimated probability of losing balance) Objective measurements (forces applied by feet during gait) At a specific frequency, estimated probability of losing balance increases as the perturbation magnitude increases At a specific acceleration, fall probability decreases with increasing frequency At a specific velocity, fall probability is almost independent of frequency f = 0.8 Hz, a = 0.5 ms -2 r.m.s Time-history of perturbation Comparison of 1/3 octave band spectra of 3-axis deck accelerations on a 36-m catamaran with Lloyds and ABS vibration limits for high-speed craft. Task performance problemsTiredness and sleep problems Collaborations: American Bureau of Shipping  Whole-body vibration class guides for crew habitability and passenger comfort on ships, yachts and HSCs Maritime and Coastguard Agency  Codes of practice for noise and vibration in ships European Commission  Non-binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive 2002/44/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (VIBGUIDE)  Risks of Occupational Vibration Exposures (VIBRISKS)  A Rational Approach for Reduction of Motion Sickness & Improvement of Passenger Comfort & Safety in Sea Transportation (COMPASS)  Evaluation and Improvement of Suspension Seat Vibration Isolation Performance (VIBSEAT) Human Factors Research Unit tel: Supported by: EC Project no. G3RD-CT A Rational Approach for Reduction of Motion Sickness & Improvement of Passenger Comfort & Safety in Sea Transportation (COMPASS) Supported by an offshore oil production company: Haward B, Lewis C, Griffin, M (2009) Motions and crew responses on an offshore oil production and storage vessel. Applied Ergonomics 40, Supported by: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)