Training Effectiveness Evaluation of the VESUB Technology Demonstration System

This report documents the Training Effectiveness Evaluation (TEE) of the Virtual Environment for Submarine OOD Ship Handling Training (VESUB) technology demonstration system. A two-phase TEE was conducted at the Submarine Training Facility, Norfolk, VA and the Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT using Navy trainees ranging in experience from Junior Officers to qualified OODs and Commanding Officers. Forty-one subjects with various experience levels were trained on three scenarios in the VESUB system: an orientation scenario for familiarization on system capabilities; a training scenario which targeted several ship handling tasks; and a testing scenario where their improvement on these tasks was measured. Data were collected on fifteen variables grouped into seven ship handling skill categories. Significant learning was found on eleven of the fifteen variables for trainees at all experience levels. For example, trainees improved 39% in checking range markers, 33% in visually checking the rudder; 57% in contact management; 44% in reaction time in a man overboard event; and 40% in using correct commands in a yellow sounding event. This is a strong indication that VESUB can effectively provide both introductory and refresher training. Conclusions and recommendations are provided.Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Div Orlando FL is the author of 'Training Effectiveness Evaluation of the VESUB Technology Demonstration System' with ISBN 9781423560258 and ISBN 1423560256.