Human integration of bridge technology

The introduction of modern, integrated, technology appears to add a new and problematic dimension to ship accidents. We know that people adapt new technology, or adapt to it, in ways that can only be observed in actual use. In this 4-year study, 15 passenger and cargo ships were visited. The results show that mariners perform integration work. To be able to integrate on any level, mariners must perform adaptations to get various types of technology aligned in appropriate ways to get their work done. Examples of what mariners integrate are data and information - and - human and machine work. This paper discusses why integration work is performed and examples are given. It is further argued that ethnography as a method for data collection and analysis can increase the understanding of practice held by various stakeholders, including mariners, and also provide guidance for designers of technology. © 2005: Royal Institution of Naval Architects.