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.
Global Gateway Crewing Services will use Transas simulators to educate seafarers
After a series of negotiations, Transas Hellas has agreed with Michaelmar Shipping Services Inc. (Piraeus) to supply a multi-purpose simulator facility for its Manila branch, Global Gateway Crewing Services INC.
The complex will enable training to the requirements of IMO STCW 78/95 Convention and Model Courses 7.01, 7.03, as well as number of specific tasks beyond the scope of the Convention. The contract includes supply of the Transas navigational simulator latest version, Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 (NTPRO 5000) with total horizontal visualization area of 180 degrees. It will guarantee realistic training, to the full satisfaction of the trainees.
The system will include a multi-task ship handling simulator capable of reproducing entire situation on the bridge, including mooring and maneuvering in restricted waterways. An instructor station and a debriefing facility provide instructor with all necessary tools for efficient preparation, editing, conducting, monitoring, playback and assessing the exercise. With such features and facilities, substantive learning will be fully challenging for trainees.
Three desktop bridge simulators enable training in watch keeping and operations with ECDIS, radar/ARPA, familiarization with all the details of electronic chart operation, including route planning and monitoring, electronic chart updating and the principles of displaying different information.
Michaelmar Shipping Services Inc. is dedicated to crew management and manning services. Manila office was established in order to provide Filipino crew to Greek and foreign ship owners. The new simulator will guarantee that the officers sent onboard are well-versed with their respective duties and responsibilities during ship’s navigation. The simulator complex will be used mostly for training the officers of Global Gateway who are sent to the principals of Michaelmar. Meanwhile, the said learning equipment will be open for seamen from other companies as well. This way, Global Gateway will ensure that the training is competitive in the market.
Kongsberg Maritime’s Fast Boat Simulator At Nor-Shipping Campus
Konsgberg Maritime is shipping in its Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) Simulator for the inaugural Nor-Shipping Campus, a new event introduced to engage school and university students with the maritime industry. As the company’s fastest boat simulator, the spectacle is expected to attract a lot of attention, especially as Kongsberg Maritime is allowing visitors to try it out for themselves.
The Nor-Shipping Campus is being held in Oslo’s City Hall Square (RÃ¥dhusplassen), during Nor-Shipping week and has attracted strong backing from major companies with the mutual goal of promoting the benefits of a career in the maritime sector. The inclusion of the Kongsberg Maritime RHIB simulator at the Nor-Shipping Campus will provide young people and training institutions a glimpse into the world of high technology maritime training systems.
Kongsberg Maritime’s stand at the Nor-Shipping Campus will also feature a wealth of videos and information about the company, it’s people and products, with the centrepiece being the RHIB Simulator, which simulates faithfully the movement of a small, fast military boat using cutting-edge graphics, high-fidelity sound and six degrees of movement thanks to its full hydraulic motion.
“It’s certainly one of our most eye-catching simulators and we’re pretty sure that the young people visiting the Nor-Shipping campus will agree when they see it and indeed get behind the wheel,” comments Marketing Coordinator Anne Voith, Kongsberg Maritime Simulation and Training. “We hope that the noise, vibration, action and high-fidelity visuals persuade students to come over and talk with us, so we can explain just how exciting and rewarding a career in the maritime technology industry can be.”
Source: http://www.km.kongsberg.com
MPT to Invest $1.5m in Training Program
Maritime Professional Training (MPT), a DNV Approved Maritime Training Center and an ISO 9001:2008 Company, has committed another $1.5m to further enhance its “Project 2010 & Beyond”. This project was envisioned as a means to update a wide range of their courses and enhance the learning experience and cost effectiveness for their students.
MPT said the funds will be spent almost exclusively as part of their ongoing expansion of its simulation facility, the S.M.A.R.T. Campus. The facility conducts Simulation for Maritime Assessment Research and Training and has long been used for both regulatory course compliance as well as research projects for port development and familiarization training.
The facility upgrades will include a fourth Full Mission Ship Simulator Bridge designed for Advanced Dynamic Positioning and AHTS training as well as enhanced features allowing for the conduct of T.O.A.R. programs. The upgrades will also include an additional ECDIS lab featuring the newest version of MFD ECDIS displays. This new lab will allow students to train on the newest equipment whilst fulfilling the regulatory requirements for the training. The installation of a new DP Lab for both Basic and Advanced Course offerings will round out the upgrades slated for completion.
Additional upgrades already in progress to the current bridges and facility will update the software, hardware, and displays allowing for an even more realistic visually immersive training environment. MPT is pleased with the response that the Project 2010 & Beyond upgrades have received so far and is committed to providing the very best level of training possible for their clients and students. New training vessels, new classrooms, new equipment, and even a few new faces are all receiving a welcome response from everyone!
L3 MPRI Installs Simulator in Philippines
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 15, 2011 ““ L-3 MPRI, a global provider of integrated training solutions, which includes simulation-based training systems, services and turnkey training facilities, today announced the installation of its Safe Cargo Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS) in Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement’s (BSM) new Maritime Training Centre, which officially opened on Jan. 21, 2011 in Manila, Philippines. The simulator will be used to train and enhance the skills of personnel operating BSM’s extensive fleet of owned and managed liquid cargo vessels. BSM, one of the world’s largest ship management companies, is firmly committed to the Philippines and currently has over 7,000 Filipino seafarers in its pool.
L-3 MPRI’s Safe Cargo system is comprised of one instructor and six student workstations, each fitted with dual monitor displays and equipped with three ship models, allowing training to be conducted in all the main liquid cargo disciplines of chemical, gas and oil operations. It is also one of the first installations to use the new 5.0 version of the LCHS software. To assist with system setup, L-3 MPRI is additionally providing course materials for all three vessel types, as well as specialized training for future instructors, both in the technical operation of the simulator and the training techniques that should be used to ensure best practices.
The LCHS installation in Manila continues a long-standing relationship between BSM and L-3 MPRI.
In addition to the Philippines, BSM, with its strong focus on continuous improvement in all areas of its operation, has also invested in LCHS systems and bridge and engine simulators in its training centers in Cyprus, India and Poland.
Kongsberg Maritime and Vestfold University College sign R&D agreement to cooperate on innovation simulator training
Kongsberg Maritime’s simulation division and Vestfold University College has signed a framework agreement to further explore activities and projects of joint interest within research and development of maritime simulators from an innovation and human factor perspective. The agreement which was signed 22nd December 2010 comprises extensive R&D project plans and the use of an Interactive Simulator Laboratory (SIMSAM lab) at Vestfold University College, which will serve as a R&D facility.
The agreement will include several R&D projects involving maritime simulators in different aspects. The on-going project, called SIMAR – Simulation of Demanding Maritime Operations, with the aim of improving simulation training by enhancing focus on human factors is the first project to be established. Both Kongsberg Maritime and Vestfold University College are major players in the SIMAR-project, in addition to the University in Oslo, Norway and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Other R&D projects under consideration are communication and team training for best practice in maritime simulation and environmental/fuel efficient surveys for Green Ship training.
Kongsberg Maritime will deliver an Offshore Vessel Simulator configured as a navigation bridge, which will be used as a test facility for the R&D projects at Vestfold University College. This simulator will be one of the major components in the planned SIMSAM laboratory, which will also be equipped with additional functions to facilitate various interaction scenarios to stimulate innovation. The SIMSAM lab will be a part of the University’s new Oslofjord Research and Innovation Park and a focus area for the entire maritime cluster in the Oslofjord area south of Norway.
The new University Park will also be equipped with a Seismic Vessel Simulator, which will be developed and delivered by Kongsberg Maritime. Norway based company, Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS), will be the exclusive owner of this module that will serve as a training facility for the company, while the University will host it and contribute pedagogical services.
“The new simulator will be configured as a work deck offering students crew training with the purpose of increasing efficiency and safety in demanding seismic vessel operations. We believe we can take advantage of Kongsberg Maritime’s broad simulator experience and in addition benefit from being a partner in an extensive simulator training environment,” explains Einar Nielsen, VP Projects, PGS.
There will also be an opportunity to connect the different simulators at the University’s Research, Innovation and Industry Center, for team training and extended R&D projects.
“This is a significant extension of the SIMAR project, which we launched together with KONGSBERG and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden last summer,” adds Marius Imset, Institute Leader at the Faculty of Technology and Maritime Science at the University College in Vestfold. “The new state-of-the-art simulators for the R&D facility will form the centrepiece of our activity as we look at various ways of improving maritime training in cooperation with suppliers and actors in the maritime Industry, like for instance PGS. Our end goal is making maritime operations across all sectors safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.”
“Kongsberg Maritime see many interesting areas where the need for research is evident and where focused R&D at the University could become fields of shared interest. Examples are interactive innovation process, Man-Machine Interface (MMI), Human Factors, user interface design, information ergonomics/graphics and new communication technology. The cooperation between the University, PGS and us is considered as a win-win situation for all,” concludes Terje Heierstad, Product & Technology Manager, Kongsberg Maritime, Simulation & Training.