Ray - Retrieval Assistance for Overboard Incidents

The goal of this thesis project is to achieve a design system that enables commercial fisherman the ability to perform their jobs safer and more efficiently. Through the standpoint of user interaction, convenience of use and functionality. Commercial fishermen have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Injuries and fatalities caused in the workplace are a result of many factors like; lack of experience, visibility, inclement weather and most proficiently, drowning. Current lack and neglection of personal protection equipment have exhibited challenges with comfortability, accessibility, sustainability, and ergonomic factors related to the line of work. The design process will incorporate the use of research methods like surveys, video observation, interviews and conversations with the target user base. Detailed analysis of evaluation process is aimed to minimize the negative experiences and maximize the positive experiences of ingress and egress related to personal protection equipment. Focusing on ergonomics and comfortability to allow user the ability to perform the tasks required from a commercial fisherman while wearing the required personal flotation equipment to keep them safe. A one-to-one scale ergonomic buck is planned to be built to evaluate the ergonomics and human factors in context of the personal protection equipment to establish a full-bodied human interaction design solution. Results from the specific studies will be used to design the next generation of personal protection equipment to be used by commercial fisherman. The product could eventually be installed on small fishing vessels all around the world; allowing the product the chance to revolutionize the way we think about water safety.