[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51237-51238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-21724]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 082003B]


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Electronic 
Chart System and Electronic Chart Display and Information System User 
Survey

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before October 27, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental

[[Page 51238]]

Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to CDR Timothy D. Tisch, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
NOAA, National Ocean Service, Office of Coast Survey, N/CS, U.S. 
Merchant Marine Academy, 300 Steamboat Road, Bowditch Hall, Kings 
Point, NY 11024 (phone: 516- 773-5221).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    Electronic Chart Systems (ECS) and Electronic Chart Display and 
Information Systems (ECDIS) are extremely complex navigation systems 
which gives the operator broad discretion over display setup. As with 
any complex system they are particularly vulnerable to human factor 
errors. It is extremely important to examine and re-evaluate knowledge 
and skill sets that a mariner will need to have to use these 
revolutionary pieces of navigation equipment to their maximum benefit 
and maximum safety. Users of ECS and ECDIS would be surveyed for the 
purpose of determining the current state of ECDIS/ECS usage by the 
mariner and identifying technical problems, best practices, personal 
preferences, near misses, reasons for mariners preferences on equipment 
setup, and skill sets and knowledge that mariners feel are important to 
the safe efficient use of this equipment.
    Ongoing research at the United States Merchant Marine Academy 
proposes to use an existing full mission bridge simulator to identify 
human factor errors associated with ECS and ECDIS by the observation of 
casualties in a virtual environment. The intent is to use this 
information and research to help develop training and educational aids 
which proactively work to reduce the likelihood of human factors errors 
with ECS and ECDIS.

II. Method of Collection

    Survey questionnaires mailed to users of ECS and ECDIS equipment 
will collect data on vessel and equipment type, wheelhouse ergonomics, 
electronic charts in use, equipment usage, navigation, and operator 
backgrounds.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other for-
profit organizations, and Federal Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1000.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 40 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 667.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: August 19, 2003.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-21724 Filed 8-25-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KE-S