# Human Factor Issues in Remote Ship Operations: Lesson Learned by Studying Different Domains
## 4 Results
### Communication Challenges  
A reliable communication system is a significant challenge in SCCs, and misunderstandings--especially in interactions with the crew of other ships--might occur due to lags in very high frequency (VHF) communication, poor communication links, and language issues [7].  
[PERSON] et al. [22] found that SCC operators observe a gyro and other sensors in shore-based unmanned ship handling, but the question is, are these sensors in real time? A concern for separation between operators and vehicle is data transmission delays, which lead to delays in operators' responses. A study of UAV operation discussed time delays during communication between operators and UAVs which could affect operators' feedback [36].  
A study of the use of a telerobotic for space discussed the issue of communication latency due to the large distance. This latency refers to the time delay between the human brain, sensor and telerobotic effector [41]. This problem can be applied to SCC operations. Immediate operation of the ship can be challenging due to the long distance of communication; although the distance on the earth is less challenging than in space [23].  
Another form of communication is strictly human-human. Remote operators might not understand the local people, patterns of activity, their aims, or even their language, which leads to problems in some situations [23]. Language skills have been identified as essential for operators in e-navigation processes [28]. Linguistic problems are likely to arise during remote ship operations due to operating the vessel across long distances.  
The 85 th session of IMO [28] identified robust and effective communication between ship and shore as being a significant requirement among high level users in the field of e-navigation. Researchers found that effective communication between vessels and the shore reduces linguistic challenges and distractions of operators. In a study of the communication between ship, shore and shore support, officers were distracted from their navigational tasks due to extreme reporting requirements during e-navigation. They should avoid double reporting and harmonize all these communications; this leads to more time for navigational tasks in order to increase safety. On the other hand, most of the officers preferred to use broadband satellite communications for ship-shore communications to keep VHF communications free for emergency safety communications [10].  
The review of the literature on communication challenges suggests that sensor information in the SCC should be harmonized in order to avoid distracting operators from their monitoring and controlling tasks; this issue affects operators' responses, especially in emergency situations. Just as operators prefer to keep VHF channels free for emergency safety communications, SCCs require specific communication channels between the ship and shore to increase safety, especially for ships in the fail-to-safe mode. It is clear that SCCs should utilize wireless and satellite communications in order to communicate and control the vessels. The technical aspects of implementation may be complex, but it is vital to manage and harmonize these communications in SCCs in a way that prioritizes human-machine interactions. It is notable that the quality of communication channels in SCCs affects the level of SA and the process of decision-making as well.