The Role of Simulation Technology in Enhancing Port Crane Operator Competence and Safety

Abstract

Global maritime trade increasingly depends on efficient and safe port operations, where crane operators play a vital role in container handling. Although traditional training methods are effective, they require considerable time and may involve operational risks. Simulation-based training offers a risk-free, cost-effective, and performance-oriented alternative. This study evaluated the effectiveness of simulator training for ship-to-shore (STS) and rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane operators by examining error types, training periods, and changes in operator performance. Using high-fidelity simulators, training was divided into four periods for each crane type, and operator errors were systematically recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and, for STS data, correlation and regression analyses. Critical, major, and minor errors among STS operators decreased significantly over time, indicating skill acquisition and learning progression. In contrast, RTG error counts followed a non-monotonic pattern, with no statistically significant differences among the four periods. These findings show that simulator-based performance trajectories may vary according to equipment type, task structure, and training protocol. Simulation training can support safer and more efficient port operations, but effective implementation requires adaptive programs, standardized assessment protocols, and consideration of individual performance variability.

Keywords

• High-risk work environments
• Human error analysis
• Performance monitoring
• Virtual reality in education
• Vocational training

Liman Vinci Operatörlerinin Yetkinlik ve Güvenliğinin Artırılmasında Simülasyon Teknolojisinin Rolü

Abstract

Küresel deniz ticareti, liman operasyonlarının verimliliğine ve güvenliğine giderek daha fazla bağımlı hâle gelmekte; vinç operatörleri ise konteyner elleçleme süreçlerinde önemli bir rol üstlenmektedir. Geleneksel eğitim yöntemleri etkili olmakla birlikte uzun süre gerektirmekte ve operasyonel riskler içermektedir. Simülasyon tabanlı eğitim, risksiz, maliyet etkin ve performans odaklı öğrenme ortamları sunan çağdaş bir çözüm olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, gemiden kıyıya vinç (STS) ve lastik tekerlekli portal vinç (RTG) operatörlerine yönelik simülasyon eğitiminin etkinliği; hata türleri, eğitim süreleri ve operatör performansının zaman içindeki değişimi bakımından değerlendirilmiştir. Yüksek gerçeklik düzeyine sahip simülatörlerle gerçekleştirilen eğitimler, her vinç türü için dört döneme ayrılmış ve operatör hataları sistematik olarak kaydedilmiştir. Veriler varyans analiziyle, STS verileri ise ayrıca korelasyon ve regresyon yöntemleriyle incelenmiştir. STS operatörlerinin kritik, büyük ve küçük hata sayıları zamanla anlamlı biçimde azalmış ve beceri kazanımında ilerleme görülmüştür. Buna karşılık, RTG hata sayıları doğrusal olmayan bir örüntü sergilemiş ve dört zaman aralığı arasındaki farklılıklar istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Bulgular, simülatör tabanlı performansın ekipman türüne, görev yapısına ve eğitim protokolüne göre değişebileceğini göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak simülasyon eğitimi, daha güvenli ve verimli liman operasyonlarına katkı sağlayabilir; ancak uyarlanabilir eğitim programları, standart değerlendirme protokolleri ve bireysel performans farklılıkları dikkate alınmalıdır.

Keywords

• Yüksek riskli çalışma ortamları
• İnsan hatası analizi
• Performans izleme
• Eğitimde sanal gerçeklik
• Mesleki eğitim

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