This paper examines human factors associated with piloting a totally enclosed motor propelled survival
craft (TEMPSC or lifeboat) in ice. The first section of the paper describes the use of a usability assessment
scale to evaluate the coxswain’s (TEMPSC captain) control panel. The second portion examines environ-
mental conditions (habitability) inside the lifeboat during evacuation. All testing was completed in con-
ditions that were consistent with those that might be experienced by ship or offshore oil and gas
crewmembers in the event of abandonment due to an onboard emergency. Results indicated that the life-
boat test configuration presented considerable challenges to usability/functionality as well as habitabil-
ity. These findings suggest that further research should be conducted to evaluate the safety of all existing
lifeboat designs. Finally, it is recommended that the international maritime organization (IMO) and safety
of life at sea (SOLAS) Convention should mandate user-centered design evaluations for future lifeboat
manufacturing.