Toward evaluation of a ship navigator´s stress based on salivary amylase activity

Evaluation of ship handling training has usually depended on professionals who have a lot of experience on board. We are attempting to evaluate a ship navigator´s mental workload (stress) based on a physiological index. The physiological indices, heart rate variability and nasal temperature, are good indices of the stress found in ship handling; however, it is best if we get response and evaluation results quickly on the spot. A recent study shows salivary amylase activity is reflected by the sympathetic nervous system. This paper proposes that salivary amylase activity shows a ship navigator´s stress during ship handling.