Kongsberg Maritime informs that its latest version of K-Sim DP, a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Manoeuvring simulator, has received Class A Certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This makes it compliant with the highest DNV standard for DP simulators according to Standard of Certification of Maritime Simulators number 2.14 (January 2011).
The manufacturers explain that the K-Sim DP Manoeuvring is the most advanced in a long line of Dynamic Positioning simulators developed by Kongsberg Maritime. It is built on the same advanced technology platform as the market leading K-Sim Offshore (previously known as the Kongsberg Offshore Vessel Simulator) and has the power to provide realistic and relevant DP training in various simulated conditions and environments.
“The DNV Class A approved K-Sim DP is developed to conduct more operational and scenario based courses, fulfilling the industry’s training requirements and has the possibility to replace a significant amount of the on board training required in a typical Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) training scheme,” comments Geir Lilje, Product Advisor, Kongsberg Maritime.
The new K-Sim DP Manoeuvring simulator is configured with a dual redundant DP system and a 240 degree or wider visual scene. It includes a fully integrated Power Management System and is delivered with standard DP reference systems such as Artemis, Hydroacoustic Position Reference system (HPR), DPS and DARPS. FanBeam and RADius position reference systems are also available as options.
K-Sim DP includes an extensive Instructor system, which has the power to design realistic scenarios and introduce faults and alarm settings throughout the entire training exercise. Recording and replay of all simulation exercises in addition to objective assessment, allow the students to build competence and to be prepared for both daily and emergency situations that might occur in real life.
Transas Develops Simulators for Korea Coast Guard
Transas Marine, in collaboration with local agent Mecys, announced the completion of a complex simulator project for the Korea Coast Guard Academy (KCGA). The real hardware integration and achieved level of realism make this simulator complex truly unique. Within the project, Transas has developed models for bridge and engine room simulators matching the layout of PV3000 and three other Korea Coast Guard vessels.
The installed simulators include the Transas full mission engine room simulator ERS 5000 which is a replica of the PV3000 KCG vessel, four very specific full mission bridge simulators based on the Transas Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 (NTPRO 5000) software imitating KCG boats, a gun fire full mission simulator integrated with 3,000t vessel’s full mission bridge. Ten real KCG surveillance radars are stimulated by Transas NTPRO 5000 software. A full mission VTS simulator with six operator workplaces and an oil spill combat lab with 10 operator workplaces can operate in the common environment with the full mission bridge simulator NTPRO 5000. This functionality provides training in oil spill response for all involved parties. A navigational lab with 30 part mission NTPRO bridges with one visual channel each, conning, radar and ECDIS stations will enable practicing various scenarios for KCGA cadets. ERS lab with 30 workplaces will be used for the training of engineers.
One of the project challenges was integration of a software control of the real MTU hardware system RCS-5 with the NTPRO 5000 and ERS 5000 software in order to provide bridge, engine and joint modes of operation to enable crew resource management exercises. Real high voltage ship born Automatic Circuit Breakers (ACB) units from Terasaki with fully functional trip device module were integrated as well. ACBs automatically pick up exercise state and operate very similar to real life.
The brand-new Korea Coast Guard Academy facilities including various administrative constructions covering a huge area near the city of Yeosu will open the doors to the first groups of cadets early next year. The newly acquired simulation complex will become a valuable national asset and contribute to proficiency of maritime education and further cost savings in training of KCG officers.
The Korea Coast Guard is responsible for maritime safety and control off the coast of South Korea. The KCG is an external branch of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at peacetime. The KCG has its headquarters in Songdodong, Incheon, and has hundreds of smaller operating stations along the coastline of the Korean Peninsula. The Korean Coast Guard operates four classes of heavy vessels (over 1,000 tons), three classes of medium vessels (over 250 tons), and three classes of light vessels (speedboats over 30 tons). The KCG also uses several types of ‘special purpose watercraft’, such as firefighting vessels, barges, high-speed scout boats, light patrols, and amphibious hovercraft.
Nautis OSV Simulator Delivered to Miclyn
Miclyn Express Offshore Singapore purchased a Nautis Offshore Supply Vessel Simulator and Instructor Station for training of OSV activities within the Miclyn fleet. The simulator was delivered and installed by VSTEP. Miclyn Express Offshore has followed up this initial purchase with an order for an identical simulator destined for their Joint Venture Thailand Training Facility.
The simulator deal for Miclyn Express Offshore (MEO) includes a 240-degree Nautis OSV Desktop Trainer and Nautis instructor station. The simulator will be used for realistic high quality training of OSV activities and navigation with the different vessels of the MEO fleet. For that purpose, specific MEO Offshore Supply Vessels have been added to the simulator for training.
The Nautis OSV Desktop Trainer features an innovative high performance concept whereby a full 240-degrees horizontal outside field of view is presented to the trainee. This field of view is normally only provided in bigger and more expensive Full Mission Bridge Simulators. The Nautis OSV Desktop Trainer however, manages this high performance field of view display using just one high-spec off-the-shelf PC without any framerate or quality loss.
This large field of view is needed for maneuvers whereby the OSV approaches an oil rig alongside, in which case the trainee needs to have a good view looking portside or starboard side. Conventional current desktop trainers provide a much more limited view of 30-120 degrees, which is only useful for straight reverse platform approaches. The azimuth controls for the NAUTIS OSV Desktop Trainer are provided in a desktop size control box, connected to the PC with a simple USB cable. The whole Nautis Desktop Trainer set-up is compact, fitting in any office environment.
Star Center Upgrades Bridge Simulator
Getting Real: Star Center Upgrades Bridge Simulator
Maritime training specialists, STAR Center, upgrades its bridge simulator for an unparalleled 360 degree training experience.
Digital Projection International (DPI), an Emmy® Award-winning manufacturer of high-performance projection systems, Scalable Display Technologies, a leading provider of software for automatic edge-blending, and Electric Picture, a leading systems integrator recently collaborated on a significant system upgrade to STAR Center’s maritime training simulator in Dania Beach, FL. This upgrade resulted in increased imagery resolution and vertical coverage, improved color management and made overall system maintenance more efficient.In operation since 1993, STAR Center (Simulation, Training, Assessment & Research) says it is regarded internationally as a top destination for ocean-going and inland professional maritime training and research. A division of the AMO Safety and Education Plan, STAR Center is the primary training provider for the U.S. merchant marine officers represented by American Maritime Officers. “The upgrade was a resounding success,” commented Brian Long, director of STAR Center. “The existing projectors were replaced by nine of DPI’s higher-resolution HIGHlite WUXGA 660 projectors with built-in advanced warp and blend capability, courtesy of their internal Fusion software. With the ability to run in both single and dual-lamp mode, the HIGHlite displays allow the STAR Center to accentuate extreme brightness or increased lamp efficiency based on the configuration. Additionally, the HIGHlite displays came with 3-year factory warranties.
A further benefit resulting from the projector upgrade allowed Electric Picture to increase the simulator’s vertical field of view, which, as Long noted, was “a very big deal indeed. The extra projected height reinforces that feeling of depth and full immersion and gives the simulator a much more realistic feel. The experience is very similar to being on an actual ship.” Long and the entire STAR Center team take their training responsibility very seriously. “Our central goal at STAR Center is to help produce the most well-trained, prepared maritime officers in the world. The newly upgraded bridge simulator will help us achieve that goal for years to come.” “¨
CMI Orders VSTEP Simulators
The Caribbean Maritime Institute has ordered multiple VSTEP simulators for its new high tech simulation center at the campus in Kingston, Jamaica.
VSTEP will deliver all simulator solutions for the facility, including a NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge Simulator and a Class C Engine Room Simulator. CMI also ordered full classroom setups for both NAUTIS Desktop Trainers and NAUTIS Engine Room Desktop Trainers.The new simulation center of Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) will serve as one of the most innovative hubs for maritime training and education in the Caribbean region, and will provide high quality training of maritime students and professionals alike in ship-handling, collision avoidance, Engine Room procedures and operations, as well as ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, AIS and other navigational aids.
After a thorough evaluation of the available maritime simulator solutions in the market, CMI selected VSTEP’s NAUTIS maritime simulators because of their high-quality, cost-effectiveness and compliance to the latest IMO STCW regulations.
The NAUTIS simulators for the CMI center include a NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge simulator and Class C Engine Room simulator. Included in the order are NAUTIS classroom setups for Engine Room Training which include multiple Engine Room desktop stations, and an additional classroom of NAUTIS Part Task Desktop Trainers, maximizing training accessibility and effectiveness at the facility. The facility will also include additional VSTEP RescueSim virtual incident management simulators for realistic training of maritime incidents.
Fritz Pinnock, Director of the CMI: “We are very pleased with our engagement of VSTEP because the purchase of these simulators will solidify our position as the simulator centre of the Caribbean. It will also make CMI the simulator showroom for VSTEP in the Americas.
Mark Polderman, Sales Director VSTEP: “We are proud to have the Caribbean Maritime Institute join the VSTEP family. With this investment, the CMI underlines its ambition to become the pinnacle of maritime training centers in the Caribbean, incorporating professional simulator training of the highest quality into its curriculum.
VSTEP introduces software interface from NAUTIS simulators to IMO type approved radar systems at SMM
In line with the rapidly increasing number of NAUTIS Maritime Simulator clients worldwide, VSTEP continues to innovate and has developed a software interface for IMO Type Approved radar and chart radar systems. This makes radar and ECDIS training possible on real radar and ECDIS systems, instead of emulated systems and allows radar quality enhancements for all simulator types.
The new interface provides enhancements and benefits for maritime simulators. For example, with regards to the ECDIS training in a classroom set-up, one instructor can provide a large number of trainee radar systems with radar video and NMEA data input, while showing the outside view and navigation instruments on a projection screen. This makes high quality, yet affordable radar and ECDIS training possible.
Also larger simulator set-ups can benefit from the radar interface. The previous “no-brand” radar simulators can be replaced with real Type Approved radar systems, still running on a standard PC, without any need for special interface hardware. Some of VSTEP’s Full Mission Bridge Simulator clients have already been upgraded with Type Approved radar systems from Kelvin Hughes and MARIS, to benefit from this increased quality. The Kelvin Hughes and MARIS ECDIS systems can show the NAUTIS radar video as an overlay on the chart view, satisfying a recommendation from the IMO in the new ECDIS Model Course 1.27, published in July 2012.
Summarizing the unique features of the NAUTIS Radar Interface :
IMO Type-Approved radar systems can be used for training at an affordable price level, both for classroom set-ups and Full Mission Bridge Simulators
IMO Type-Approved ECDIS systems can show a radar video overlay image, needed for the new IMO ECDIS Model Course 1.27No special processing is required for new training environments and vessels; the radar image is always in sync with the outside view image.
NAUTIS and the Radar & ECDIS systems all run on standard Windows PCs
Huib Gerretsen, Managing Director of De Ruyter Training & Consultancy (DRTC) B.V. : “We recently purchased NAUTIS Desktop Simulators for our facility, each with 3 outside view displays, and a corresponding radar overlay image on the Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital ECDIS. These simulators give our students an excellent tool to learn all about ECDIS and how it is used on board.”
Pjotr van Schothorst, VSTEP’s CTO: “We wanted to provide our customers with high quality yet affordable solution for all their radar/ARPA and ECDIS training requirements, running on standard PCs which can be bought anywhere in the World. We have been working on this solution for over 2 years, and there is a lot of clever software behind all this, yet it is all made available with a very simple Windows style user-interface. The radar video is created in NAUTIS using a realistic radar ray-casting simulation process. All land objects like hills, buildings and port cranes, and all vessels show up on the radar at exactly the same place as in the 3D outside view environment of NAUTIS. New vessels and new port environments can soon be created by clients themselves using the NAUTIS Port Creator software, and will also show up automatically on the radar video image.”
VSTEP has made special arrangements with Kelvin Hughes and MARIS to supply their radar/ARPA and ECDIS systems as software-only to maritime schools at an attractive price level. These systems have exactly the same functionality as their integrated, IMO Type-Approved on-board equivalents.
HR Wallingford Sign Navigation Simulator Agreement with FMSC
HR Wallingford signs an alliance agreement with the Fremantle, Australia Maritime Simulation Centre (FMSC)
HR Wallingford has recently signed an alliance agreement with Fremantle Maritime Simulation Centre (FMSC). This gives HR Wallingford the capability to conduct navigation simulation work in Western Australia.
HR Wallingford is an independent engineering and environmental hydraulics organisation, and FMSC is a state-of-the-art simulation facility, providing access to specialist marine pilot consultancy, in Fremantle, West Australia.
The newly formed alliance is presently operating out of FMSC’s premises in Fremantle near Perth but will shortly be moving to a new purpose built facility, also in Fremantle. The move should take place before the end of August and the facility will then have three ship simulators, two full bridge and one tug.
The facility, which will be known as HR Wallingford at FMSC, will initially focus on marine pilot familiarisation training, which is complementary to FMSC’s capability in other ship navigation simulator based training.
Jane Smallman, managing director of HR Wallingford said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for HR Wallingford to develop a close working relationship with FMSC so that together, we can provide a state of the art ship simulation training facility in Western Australia.”
Danish Navy Awards Konsberg with Simulator Contract
The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), acting on behalf of three naval training centres in Denmark, has chosen Kongsberg Maritime to supply sophisticated new bridge simulation facilities. The contract, which was signed in Ballerup, Denmark on 14th December 2011, was awarded to Kongsberg Maritime as part of a public tender issued to support the Royal Danish Navy’s training capabilities through advanced simulation technology.
The contract includes a main delivery to the Danish Home Guard School (Marinehjemmeværnssektionen Slipshavn) of four (with the option of additional four) DNV Class B Part Task Bridge Simulators with instructor & debrief stations and integration with real vessel equipment for enhanced physical realism. It also includes delivery of Royal Danish Navy vessel models and exercise areas relevant to specific training needs, mostly covering Danish and surrounding waters.
Two other Royal Danish Navy facilities have options for new simulator equipment as part of the contract award. The Royal Danish Naval Academy (Søværnets Officersskole) has already ordered a DNV Class A Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Part Task Bridge Simulators and a desktop classroom configuration. Additionally, the contract also includes an optional bridge simulator system for the Royal Danish Naval Warfare School (Søværnets Taktikkursus). “The main delivery to the Danish Home Guard School is the basis of a prestigious contract that was won amidst some tough competition,” comments Erik Hovland, Sales and Marketing Manager, Kongsberg Maritime. “The contract reflects our ability to provide flexible simulator configurations and offer value added services including system and instructor training at multiple sites.
“As a Kongsberg Maritime simulator customer, The Royal Danish Navy will also benefit from being part of a large network of naval simulator users from around the world,” concludes Hovland.
VSTEP Delivers Simulator for the Korean Naval College
VSTEP in cooperation with its Korean partner Dongkang M-Tech have successfully delivered and installed a full NAUTIS Naval Task Force maritime simulator classroom at The Korean Naval College in Seoul, Korea. The classroom consists of 20 NAUTIS Naval Task Force Trainee Stations and Instructor Station. The Korean Naval College has selected NAUTIS for efficient maritime training and preparation of cadets and naval personnel in ship handling and navigation.
VSTEP CEO, Cristijn Sarvaas: “NAUTIS is a new generation of simulation technology that meets the high standards of today’s maritime professionals. The Korean Naval college has evaluated and recognized the powerful benefits of NAUTIS, such as low cost, flexibility for the user and superior visuals in training.”
The Korean Naval College is one of Korea’s most renowned Naval Academies. Having used traditional legacy simulation technology in the past, the Korean Naval College selected the NAUTIS Naval Task Force simulators for its new simulation center, because of the cost effectiveness of the solution, its user-friendliness and the high quality of realistic maritime training it provides. NAUTIS Naval Task force is tailored specifically to the needs of Naval Forces and offers a wide range of navy specific simulation and training options.
Guidance on the Use of Simulators Published by IMCA
A slim 18-page volume published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) marks a significant piece of work in the quest for increasing levels of competence within the marine contracting industry. “Guidance on the Use of Simulators (IMCA C 014 Rev. 1) is a fundamental piece of work, for it emphasises the increased importance placed by the industry on the use of simulators,” explains IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. “Simulation is proving its worth in the quest for the best way for individuals or teams to undertake a task efficiently and safely, and is thus often used for work lanning/mission planning purposes including engineering development, procedure development, technical assessments, research, and asset risk assessment. “The technology has improved enormously in recent years and the graphics are so good that users have a true idea of what they will be seeing and doing in ‘real time’ when the planning stage moves to the operational stage. Of course, simulators are also vital tools in emergency planning. “Our new publication is designed to address the use of simulators in the training environment and as part of competence assessments. The use of simulators enables measurable assessment of individuals in training to be undertaken. Sections cover the definition of a simulator; classes of simulator; use of simulators in the marine contracting industry; differences between e-learning and simulation; simulators in the training environment; simulators in competence assessment; and definitions. Then appendices cover different types of simulators used for dive control, dynamic positioning (DP) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) each describing their purpose. Other appendices will be added to the document as they are completed.” Simulation features on the conference agenda for the forthcoming IMCA Annual Seminar (being held 9-10 November in New Orleans, with Rob Gatt of ADAS and Cato Hordnes of OLF looking at Diving simulators and simulation ““ experience their use and development of an industry standard; and, in the ROV and Survey session, Use of simulation from concept design to offshore completion being presented by Jacco Huipen, Fugro Subsea Services. Guidance on the Use of Simulators can be downloaded free of charge from the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com with printed copies available at £2.50 for IMCA members and £5.00 for non-members, with further information available on the website; at publications@imca-int.com.