Objective: The aim of these studies was to examine the extent to which uncertainty in contact location in submarine track management affected operator situation awareness (SA), workload, and performance and whether operator SA predicted unique variance in performance. Background: We extend prior research by manipulating uncertainty in contact location and by including a sample of expert track managers in a submarine combat system. Method: In Experiment 1, university students completed a track management task. In Experiment 2, expert submariners were embedded in a real submarine combat system. Uncertainty was manipulated and SA was measured using the situation present assessment method. Results: Increased uncertainty led to higher student workload and moderately impaired SA and performance, and SA predicted incremental variance in performance. Uncertainty had no effect on expert SA or the accuracy of the tactical picture compiled. On average, experts took 20 s to accept SA queries (compared with 2.18 s for students). The time taken for experts to accept SA queries, but not their subsequent response to SA queries, was positively associated with their tactical picture accuracy. Conclusion: Uncertainty can negatively impact SA, workload, and performance. Some key findings from the laboratory were replicated using experts, but the fact that experts took on average 20 s to accept SA queries presents a challenge for using SPAM in submarine control rooms. Application: Contact location is uncertain due to the use of passive sonar and hostile deception. It is essential to measure track manager SA in order to inform work design and training.

This paper reports on the development, method, and major findings from the Submarine Habitability Assessment Questionnaire (SUB-HAQ) undertaken as part of a lessons-learned review of the current RAN submarine platform. The questionnaire was completed by 167 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Submariners and was developed to examine the perceived habitability of the main living and working areas. The results showed satisfaction with cleanliness, lighting, privacy of amenities, ventilation in certain areas, and location of amenities and facilities. The results also suggest dissatisfaction with aspects of the work areas (such as storage space for work materials, and space to conduct off-watch work), allocation of space and equipment for exercise, crowding, and ratio of crew to amenities. Best use of space on a submarine is an extraordinarily challenging design problem. However, it was concluded that significant benefit could be achieved through applying human systems integration methods early in the design of a future RAN platform. The importance of careful workforce planning and crewing analyses to prevent occurrences of overcrowding, lack of storage, and an unacceptable ratio of crew to amenities was observed. The findings from SUB-HAQ have led to a significant investment in evidence-based habitability design assurance by the RAN.