Bhairavi Jangale

User experience

Hometown: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Graduation date: Fall 2025

Additional details: First-generation college student

MORE | Fall 2025

Enhancing Occupational Safety Training Through Immersive Virtual Reality in Commercial Fishing Applications

Commercial fishing remains among the most hazardous occupations, with fatality rates exceeding the national average by more than 40 times and averaging 43 deaths per year. Traditional safety training methods rely primarily on classroom instruction and offer limited opportunities for hands-on emergency response practice, leaving fishermen potentially unprepared for life-threatening situations at sea. This research proposes the development and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality (VR) safety training program for commercial fishing, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Heejin Jeong in the HiMER Lab.​

The study designs realistic VR simulations using Unreal Engine to replicate commercial fishing vessels, emergency scenarios, and the proper use of safety equipment, including life raft deployment, immersion suit procedures, and man-overboard rescues. The training program will include interactive modules with virtual instructors providing real-time feedback, following the standards of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA).​

The research aims at a comparative analysis of VR-based and traditional training methods using pre- and post-training assessments to evaluate knowledge retention, skill proficiency, and emergency response effectiveness. Usability metrics and participant feedback informs engagement levels and practical applicability. Given that AMSEA-trained fishermen experienced zero fatalities among 114 deaths during prior study periods, this VR training program has the potential to significantly enhance existing safety education by providing scalable, consistent, and repeatable emergency response practice that traditional methods cannot safely deliver.​

This interdisciplinary project brings together technology, design, and safety research to improve how workers learn and respond in high-risk environments. By combining virtual reality development, user experience design, and maritime safety knowledge, the study bridges the gap between engineering and human-centered learning. The results of this research can help create safer workplaces not only in the fishing industry but also in other fields such as marine transportation, offshore oil operations, and emergency response services where realistic, hands-on training is critical.

Mentor: Heejin Jeong