This paper presents the results of two research studies aimed at analysing operators' activity in ship handling and car driving when managing interaction with others. The handling of a car or ship can be compared in person-related aspects, tool or device aspects and task demands. Data was collected during crossing of the English Channel by a ferry and in car-following situations on an urban motorway. The common points in these activities confirmed that deliberate means of communication exist, mostly informal, such as amplifying a manoeuvre; and highlighted the part played by prior knowledge in interpreting other users' behaviour. The paper discusses the potential impact of new electronic support systems: the Automatic Identification System for ships and Adaptive Cruise Control, speed limiters and collision avoidance systems for cars. The authors note that the interactive dimension of the operators' tasks should be taken into account when designing such systems. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).
Samenvatting