The second annual Dubai International Maritime Awards ( DIMA ), organized by Seatrade, was held to felicitate those working constantly to improve maritime standards in West & Central Asia. Gala presentation dinner was held at Grand Hyatt Dubai on 12 December 2005, in the presence of Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization ( IMO ).
Awards were presented across Ten categories, these were Safety and Quality in Shipping, Innovation in Shipping, Port Operations, Countering Marine and Atmospheric Pollution, Education and Training, Outstanding Contribution to Regional Dry Bulk Activities, Outstanding Contribution to Regional Liner Activities, Outstanding Contribution to Regional Energy Activities, Outstanding Contribution to Regional Maritime Services and Personality of the Year for West and Central Asia.
From a large number of nominations, twenty candidates from nine countries across the West & Central Asia, USA, Europe and the Indian Subcontinent were short-listed for the Awards. The geographic spread of the short-listed organisations was spread across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, USA, Ireland, Greece, India and Pakistan and more.
The Dubai International Maritime Awards ( DIMA ) were independently judged by a panel of well-known and respected luminaries in the Maritime Field. The Chairman of the panel of judges was Rear Admiral Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization. The judging panel included Capt Duncan McKelvie, Chairman, Nautical Institute, UAE Branch; Capt Jitendra Misra, Chairman, The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Tony Muncer, Chairman, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Dubai.
The prestigious ‘Innovation in Shipping’ award was for a project with the potential significantly to improve efficiency of any aspect of ships operations and / or cargo handling. ARI simulator product MASCOT was adjudged as the most innovative and awarded for originality, imagination and perceived practicality.
MASCOT is a unique and innovative solution developed by ARI for training on bulk hazardous liquids, gases and container cargo handling. The simulator suite is a highly advanced new generation training platform developed to train mariners and port operators in handling and operation of the Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNG, Petroleum Products and Container Cargoes.
ARI Group’s MD Shravan Rewari was present at the awards ceremony in Dubai and said, “We are really honoured to receive this award. ARI solutions have been one of the key drivers of marine simulation globally for several years now and this award is a vindication of our vision and efforts. Innovation is fundamental at ARI and we will continue to set new benchmarks in simulation technologies in the years to come.”
Sultan Bin Sulayem, leading UAE-based businessman and public figure was hailed as Personality of the Year at the 2nd Dubai International Maritime Awards ( DIMA ). In a keynote address at the award ceremony, Sulayem said, “The Dubai International Maritime Awards have come to be regarded as the ultimate recognition for companies and individuals involved in the maritime industry in the region. To be conferred the highest honour at this prestigious awards ceremony, and by such an eminent panel of experts, is truly rewarding.”
Rear Admiral Eftimios Mitropoulos Secretary-General, IMO, said this year’s DIMA would go a long way to promote greater safety and environmental issues within the industry, particularly within the Middle East. “Shipping continues to reign unchallenged as the world’s most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to transport goods and materials in the global economy, and we need to do all we can to recognize, reward and promote quality whenever and wherever it is found within the industry,” he said.
MASCOT ( Modular Advance Simulators For Cargo Operations Training ) is a suite of simulator products containing a Full Mission Liquid Cargo & Gas Handling Simulator and a Advanced Crane Simulator.
The Full Mission Liquid and Gas cargo handling simulator system combines the latest of digital technology with good old fashioned hands-on methods to create a completely holistic ultra tech training environment. The system incorporates a number of innovative solutions which have appeared for the first time on the marine simulation horizon. The highly flexible and modular installation fulfils the training needs for a large number of tanker model types including Oil tanker, LPG Carrier ( large ), Chemical tanker, Product Carrier and LNG Carrier.
The system, in its present form, includes a Cargo Control Room with its own operating and monitoring panels and which can be instantly converted into the CCR of any of the ship types installed. Additionally each ship type has its own ‘deck area’ with controls for valves, level indicators, gauges, gas meters, indicators, alarms, key switches, and myriad other controls relevant to that ship type. Further, there are individual trainee stations equipped to perform special duties specific to the currently chosen ship type. All the components are fully integrated into a single system centrally controlled by an Instructor operating from his own specially designed control station.
The Container Cargo Handling modular simulator system is a solution which replicates the physical characteristics of nearly all types of gantry cranes used in the container transportation industry. The Simulator suite is a powerful training tool addressing the training needs in all essential aspects of safety and efficiency of container cargo handling equipment operations. It is highly versatile and can be customized to replicate any crane model and terminal environment.
The simulator allows creation of various conditions including weather effects, equipment failures malfunctions, and obstacles, etc. High fidelity audio systems provide stereoscopic surround sound effects of motors, collisions, alarms, radio communication, wind, and environment. The simulator rests on a sensitive 3-axis motion platform which recreates all the physical sensations crane operators’ experience. This combination of high visual detail, sound cues, motion cues, and man machine interface creates an unmatched immersive environment.
The ARI MASCOT system provides a comprehensive training environment in safe conditions to train, and improve the skills and knowledge, of the shipboard and port personnel. The capabilities of the simulator suite allow continuous monitoring and assessment of the trainee performance which is then used for further learning and improvement.
Applied Research International ( ARI ), a knowledge centric organization, is a premier provider of technology, management and human capital solutions to customers across the world. ARI is a leader in the field of Simulation, marine training, software products for the shipping industry, and customized software development services. ARI also provides Management & IT consulting and outsourcing services to the shipping industry
ARI’s simulation products include Navigation and Ship Handling simulators, Engine Room and Propulsion simulators, Liquid Cargo handling simulators ( crude oil, LPG, LNG, Chemical ), GMDSS, Gantry Crane Simulators, Driving Simulators and more. ARI Education offers diverse portfolio of training solutions including entire range of Entry Level, Competency, Proficiency, and Professional Development Programs.
