The findings from this validation study demonstrate a degree of similarity between mate behavior on CAORF and mate behavior at sea. The mate's activity level on CAORF changed in accordance with situation conditions similar to behavior that occurred at sea. The CAORF mates were very active, at a level equivalent to that of the most difficult situations at sea. This generally high level of activity was attributed to a learning/experience effect that was predominant when the mates first reported on CAORF, and then subsided over time. This effect was similar to the expected behavior of mates at sea when first reporting on an unfamiliar ship. The mate's radar behavior on CAORF was also found to be similar to that occurring at sea, a function of the changing contact load conditions.

Experimental effects obtained in the initial CAORF experiment were verified by the at-sea data. These validation findings are, perhaps, the most important since they directly support the validity of CAORF research.

The CAORF simulator was designed primarily as a research tool. Its wide range of simulation, control, monitoring, and analysis capabilities make it an excellent training device as well. Although expensive, operation of CAORF is much less expensive than the operation of a ship at sea for research and training purposes, as has been demonstrated during experiments for the port of Valdez, Alaska. Other factors, such as the control of environmental conditions and the capability to train in failure modes of operation, weigh greatly in favor of the use of simulation. The acceptance of CAORF by the maritime community for research and training clearly demonstrates the need for resource conservation through simulation. The CAORF validation study represents a fundamental step in verifying the feasibility of simulation for solving a variety of problems, and hence, conserving resources.

The results of this validation study support the quality of the CAORF simulation and the resultant empirical research findings. This represents the first demonstration of the behavioral validity of a marine simulation facility.