Maritime Simulation News

(maritime-executive.com)

Virtual Training and Simulator developer VSTEP will be demonstrating its new NAUTIS Naval Task Force simulator and new RescueSim Naval Shipboard Firefighting module during I/ITSEC 2010, the world’s largest simulation and training conference, from Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida:

NAUTIS Naval Task Force

NAUTIS is an award-winning maritime simulator platform providing a user friendly, high quality and affordable alternative for contemporary maritime simulators. NAUTIS Naval Task Force is specifically designed to meet the navigation and seamanship training requirements of navies and coast guards. NAUTIS Naval Task Force is suited for shiphanding, navigation and tactical communications (radio, signal flags, and flashing light) training. It can also be used to rehearse seamanship operations unique to the naval environment such as replenishment at sea, formation steaming, amphibious landings, helo flight deck operations, and plane guard / life guard station maneuvering and emergency response.

All Nautis simulators include a wide range of exercise areas and vessels, each with a superior level of detail. We offer affordable and effective alternatives for training officers and crews, ranging from desktop trainers and classrooms to full mission bridge simulators.

RescueSim Naval Shipboard Firefighting module

RescueSim has been used by emergency first responders worldwide to train personnel to coordinate appropriate responses to the most serious incidents. Our new Shipboard Firefight Module provides an innovative way to train watchstanders and damage control team members utilizing 3D interactive simulation software. This new RescueSim module can improve the reaction and knowledge of damage control members thereby making actual drills much more effective.

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(bymnews.com)

Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd., the St. John’s, Newfoundland branch of Kongsberg Maritime’s simulation division, has reported strong performance in the latter half of 2010 with the signing of several key contracts with Canadian customers, covering the whole spectrum from ship’s bridge, dynamic positioning and radar simulators through to engine room and naval simulators.

In an extensive, multi-million dollar contract signed early October, Kongsberg Maritime will deliver a full suite of ship’s bridge and engine room simulators at the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The ship’s bridge simulator delivery to the CCGC includes a full mission DNV Class A, four DNV Class B simulators and a range of own-ship and area databases. The CCGC will also receive a full mission engine room simulator, together with eight desktop systems and a range of engine models. Kongsberg Maritime is also responsible for building and infrastructure arrangements prior to the installation, which is due to take place next year before a June 2011 commissioning.

“This is an important upgrade for the Canadian Coast Guard College which will provide them with the very latest simulation technology for their cadet training programmes,” comments Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd’s Area Sales Manager, Clayton Burry. “With a growing student body and increasing demands on CCG operations, we are confident these systems will provide them with the necessary tools to meet Transport Canada certified training.” Kongsberg Maritime has also been contracted to upgrade bridge and engine room simulators at the Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) in St. John’s, Newfoundland, which is part of the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University. It will receive a full mission Neptune engine room simulator, complete with Kongsberg Maritime’s BigView solution for slow and medium speed engine models, in addition to eight new desktop trainers. As part of the delivery, Kongsberg Maritime will modernise four NMS-90 ship’s bridge simulators by integration of the Polaris simulation software platform and new MultiFlex technology – a touch screen based panel capable of displaying up to five software panels in place of hardware. The simulators, scheduled for delivery in December 2010, are certified to DNV standards and meet all requirements for Transport Canada approved training.

In another extensive contract, The Marine Campus of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in North Vancouver has selected Kongsberg Maritime to upgrade its engine room and ship’s bridge simulators with a number of firsts for the College, including some for the industry. Among other items, BCIT will have the first full mission diesel electric engine room simulator in Canada and what is believed to be the only dedicated 360-degree tug bridge in the Americas. Ordered systems include a full mission Neptune engine room simulator and three full mission engine models, eight desktop systems, and seven new ship bridges with 120 degree horizontal visual field of view, in addition to the 360-degree tug bridge. A suite of full-mission and desktop dynamic positioning trainers will also form part of the delivery.

“Kongsberg is extremely pleased to be selected as a preferred supplier to CMS and BCIT on these significant upgrade projects. Our compliance with all regulatory requirements, close connection to the maritime industry and the strength of our company all contributed to our success in securing these contracts. I think our customers know we are totally committed to their success and will continue to strive to earn their business over the long term,” adds Burry.

Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd has also recently been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada (LMT:NYSE) to upgrade the Canadian Navy’s shore-based ship’s bridge simulation trainers in support of the Combat Systems Integration (CSI) portion of the Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM) project. “We’re delighted to have sealed so many contracts in Canada over the last few months,” adds Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd President Henry Tremblay. “The orders represent our long standing presence in Canada and commitment to the American maritime training community. This is fantastic news to be taking to our Simulator User Conference in Orlando at the end of November, where we are looking forward to meeting with all of our American and Canadian customers.”

(maritime-executive.com)

ROTTERDAM, NL/BUENOS AIRES, AR—Servicio Integral de Prácticos S.A. (SIPSA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is the first “Maritime and Riverine Research and Training Center” to build a Full Mission Bridge Simulator running NAUTIS maritime simulation software.

SIPSA has built a realistic bridge with 270-degree field-of-view using nine LCD TV screens. SIPSA will apply for DNV Class A certification of the simulator. The simulator integrates NAUTIS Maritime Training software, and was built to train maritime students and professionals in ship handling and navigation at any scenario. It also carries out maritime and consulting tasks, referred to the execution of new ports terminal’s modern condition of operation. This is referred to, not only to the necessary installations and under structure, but also the operation of new ships, safety conditions and IMO’s ruling.

Having used traditional simulation technology for about ten years, and have shown their usefulness to the effects of maritime expert advice in large project’s, SIPSA selected NAUTIS software for its new simulation center, because of the cost effectiveness of the solution, and the ease with which NAUTIS software can be integrated into their custom-built bridge. Another important advantage is that SIPSA staff can build their own vessels and 3D exercise environments and add them to the simulator.

VSTEP CEO, Cristijn Sarvaas: “We are honored that such an experienced user of maritime simulators has selected NAUTIS for its new research & training center. SIPSA’s choice shows that the new generation of simulation technology which NAUTIS represents can meet the stringent requirements set by the maritime simulation community. The powerful benefits of the new technology, such as low cost, flexibility for the user and superior visuals, will revolutionise the way simulators are used in the maritime community.”

SIPSA Project Manager, Alberto Secchi: “NAUTIS was our first choice for maritime simulation training. It allows for realistic simulation of sailing maneuvers, docking, mooring to buoys, use of ropes and tugs, all sorts of failures and events, and different hydro meteorological and visibility conditions, daytime with good and bad visibility and nighttime. It allows for recording of maneuvers that are carried out so we can extract the respective technical conclusions through a very detailed analysis.”

SIPSA has proved to be a pioneer in the maritime simulation field, combining its own expertise in maritime simulation with the advantages of the NAUTIS software. The maritime professionals, officers and crews trained by SIPSA will benefit greatly from SIPSA’s pioneering mentality.

To learn more about VSTEP, visit www.vstep.nl.

(marinelink.com)

The Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training department has developed a Green Ship Engine Room Simulator (ERS) model based on a Wärstilä 12RT-flex 82C low-speed common-rail engine, built for a Panamax container ship of 4800 TEU, with reefer capacity of 800.

The scenario for the simulated ship model is a modern Green Ship that is financed and operated by a ship owner who is concerned about environmental issues, and who has built a fuel efficient / low-emission container ship using well-proven, commercially available technical solutions. The simulated ship has a high normal operating speed of 26 knot and the propulsion machinery is adapted for all ambient temperature conditions, ranging from arctic (-40°C) to tropic (45°C), allowing new trading routes. The new ERS model offers highly realistic training based on the above conditions, to ensure optimal performance whilst reducing emissions. The RT Flex simulator model also includes a Sankey diagram, making it easy to visualize the energy efficiency of the engine room plant.

“Although many Kongsberg Maritime ERS models offer Green Ship functionality, the RT-flex model features the most comprehensive fuel efficiency and emission reduction functionality that we have developed so far,” explained Leif Pentti Halvorsen, Product Manager for Engine Room and Cargo Handling Simulators, Kongsberg Maritime. “Our increased focus on Green Ship simulation is a result of higher interest from environmentally conscious owners, who will be using more efficient engines like the Wärstilä 12RT-flex in the future.”

Instead of the usual mechanically-controlled fuel injection pumps and exhaust valve drives of Wärtsilä RTA engines, the RT-flex82C has an electronically-controlled common-rail system, meaning that the engine room operation differs from that of other ships, so there is a requirement for specific training on this system. The new ERS model simulates the Wärtsilä Engine Control System (WECS) which triggers the electro-hydraulic rail valves for the respective functions, in addition to simulating a wealth of technical aspects including waste heat and thermal oil tank heating system. The model also simulates an exhaust converter of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) type, cutting the NOx emission by about 90%.

(marinelink.com)

Kongsberg Maritime AS, Simulation & Training has made an agreement with the Research Council of Norway to form a user-directed research program called SIMAR – Simulation of Demanding Maritime Operations – which is aimed at improving simulation training by enhancing focus on human factors.

The main goal of the research project is to obtain new and improved knowledge of human factors in a learning environment based on simulated complex maritime operations, in order to develop a new generation of research based, maritime simulators for demanding and risky operations, e.g. anchor handling in offshore environments. The aim is to be able to assess and measure the effect of the simulator training; both in the simulator (based on the specific learning objectives) and during the actual maritime operations (such as reduced risk, reduced number of accidents, less oil spills, reduced costs related to loss of equipment and more efficient operations).

To achieve this, the project has defined 4 sub goals:

1. Defining and developing human learning objectives based on relevant parameters available in the simulator
2. Designing and controlling the exercise/scenario
3. Increasing the knowledge of how simulator training affects human learning
4. Strategies for implementing knowledge of human factors

Research has proven that simulator training is an important tool to build competence and reduce accidents. SIMAR could improve simulator training further by introducing competence in the education process through extensive testing on new and efficient education methods. Today, the success or failure of simulator training depends on the quality of the psychological teaching principals used and the psychological factors in the simulator software (training program).

Through the SIMAR project, Kongsberg Maritime hopes to develop a simulator that combines state-of-the-art simulator technology with state-of-the-art human factors knowledge. “We have used our market and operational competence in combination with our simulator hardware and software expertise to provide high quality training for seafarers since the seventies,” said Terje Heierstad, Product & Technology Manager, Kongsberg Maritime, Simulation & Training.

“Technology has developed fast and we are now offering incredible degrees of realism so we are keen to develop the learning aspects and human factors in simulation training further. There is currently very little research in this field, so SIMAR is exploring new ground for the maritime industry. We are convinced that the cooperation with the Research Council of Norway and our R&D partners will contribute to the development of the best tool for the future training on demanding operations.”

The task of defining and developing human learning objectives based on relevant parameters available in a simulator will primarily be carried out by Chalmers University of Technology: “At the institution for Shipping and Marine Technology and in the competence centre, Lighthouse, we have developed competence for research and development within many maritime fields. SIMAR gives us a unique possibility to practice our knowledge – both employees and students – to improve maritime education and safety at sea,” said Margareta Lützhöft, Docent at Chalmers University of Technology, Institution for Shipping and Marine Technology, department for vessel work environment and safety, Gothenburg.

The University in Vestfold will in cooperation with the University in Oslo, be responsible for performing research on the education process in the simulator based on knowledge of mechanism and methods in education. Testing of new training exercises, based on competence of educational mechanism, will be executed at the simulator centre at Vestfold University College.

Marius Imset, Institute Leader at the Faculty of Technology and Maritime Science at the University College in Vestfold explains: “Knowledge on how new information technology and instrumentation can contribute to increased safety and efficiency within the maritime sector is a priority area for us at Vestfold University College. We perform research on how human factors work together with technology and organization, and the use of advanced simulators provides new and exciting possibilities. Our cooperation with KONGSBERG, the University of Oslo and Chalmers is unique, as it brings together different world-leading communities on complex and demanding maritime operations. We are proud to contribute to the SIMAR project, which will bring out new knowledge with the purpose to increase safety, efficiency and improve the use of energy.”

(thedigitalship.com)

(June 4 2010)

Transas has been awarded a contract to supply simulation systems to be installed onboard two ships operated and owned by Intership Navigation (ISN).

The ‘K Class’ capesize bulk carriers MV Lancelot and MV Percival, with a capacity of 178,000 dwt each, are currently being built at New Times Shipyard in Jing Jiang, China, and will be equipped with software for an Engine Room Simulator (ERS 4000) and the dedicated hardware for a Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 ship handling simulator.

ISN believes that having the training systems on board real ships will be beneficial in allowing for the training to be connected with work the crews are doing in their own professional environment.

MV Lancelot will be used as a platform for nautical training onboard the vessel, with a dedicated room one deck below the bridge equipped with the ship handling simulator. This ‘secondary’ bridge comprises the instructor station and one own ship bridge in a dedicated manoeuvring console.

The same hardware controls (such as telegraph, tiller, steering wheel and autopilot) and ECDIS/Radar operator workstations that are used on the real bridge are also represented in the simulator.

The simulated bridge comprises Transas’ new NTPro 5000 radar/ARPA software module, the central conning display, a NavAids station and three visualisation modules which form a visualisation system of approximately 120° width on three large LCD displays.

One unusual feature of the simulator with regard to the LCD displays, mounted in lateral guiding rails which can be raised or lowered behind the trainee console, is that, when lowered, the actual view from outside the ship’s windows in the ‘real environment’ outside is enabled.

The simulator bridge can then be used in ‘live mode’, connected to the ship’s real navigation systems and receiving real data. Changing from the simulation to the live mode is done with a hardware switch.

For communication training a GMDSS simulator with instructor station and one trainee workplace are also integrated in the simulator configuration.

The MV Percival will be used as a platform for marine engineering training, equipped with an ERS 4000 with one instructor station and six interconnected trainee workplaces. Two different vessels from the ERS 4000 ship model library are licensed for the training facility.

The classroom will also be integrated into the ship’s deck house, with standard PC hardware to be supplied by the contractor.

Capt Eugen Adami, managing director of ISN, commented on the deal, saying that his company is determined to maintain its investment in crew training going forward.

“In today’s difficult financial times many companies have to stop or reduce training activities,” he said.

“But here in ISN we have decided not to do that and continue with our programme as planned.”

(defpro.com)

Typical full mission shiphandling bridge.

18:06 GMT, January 29, 2010 Kongsberg Maritime announces the award of a contract valued at more than NOK 38 million to supply the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) with ship bridge simulation systems to upgrade the Navy’s training centre, located at HMAS Watson in Sydney, Australia.

Scope of delivery

The upgraded ship bridge simulator system will comprise two full mission simulators, four part-task simulators, ten desktop systems, instructor and debrief stations and extensive visual systems. Delivered in two phases, Kongsberg Maritime will upgrade RAN’s existing Kongsberg simulators and deliver new simulation systems to complement the Navy’s growing simulation equipment.

The Royal Australian Navy has been a continuous user of KONGSBERG ship bridge simulators since 1998 and their high level of satisfaction over the past twelve years played a major role in the recent contract award.

“The Royal Australian Navy has a long and successful relationship with KONGSBERG and the upgrade of our simulators with KONGSBERG ‘s state of the art bridge simulators will provide us with the facility to continuously enhance our training programs and competencies,” states Commander Glenn Robinson, HMAS Watson.

High fidelity visual effects

The delivery will provide RAN with high fidelity visual effects of ships, ship behaviour and the maritime environment. Through the state-of-the-art functionality provided by the KONGSBERG ship bridge simulator, the Royal Australian Navy will be able to accurately replicate the full range of maritime operations likely to be experienced while on the bridge of a warship. This will include the ability to test knowledge, skills and competencies of trainees in scenarios ranging from simple tasks, such as passage planning, ocean passage and coastal navigation, to more complex tasks including pilotage, berthing and un-berthing, precise navigation and close quarter maneuvering when conducting warfare type exercises.

Fulfills Royal Australian Navy’s requirements

“The Royal Australian Navy is an extensive user of Bridge Simulator functionality and capabilities, pushing the boundaries on its availability requirements and operational scenario expectations. KONGSBERG ‘s bridge simulator was analyzed prior to selection and was assessed as capable of fulfilling the Royal Australian Navy’s usage requirements for the current training programs and the flexibility of providing for future operational growth,” states Rod McMahon, Director Minor Capital Projects (Navy), Defence Material Organisation.

Scheduled for delivery in January, 2011, this contract represents a significant order for Kongsberg Maritime and strengthens the company’s relationship with this important customer and other world navies.

“We are very proud to be awarded the contract for this substantial upgrade program and to continue our longstanding relationship with the Royal Australian Navy. Delivery of our latest ship bridge simulators will ensure that the Royal Australian Navy remains at the cutting edge of simulator technology well into the future,” states Henry Tremblay, Kongsberg Area Sales Manager.

(bairdmaritime.com)

Thursday, 19 November 2009 04:34

The pressure from some ship owners to consider shortening training time for watch officers prompted Jean-Pierre Clostermann, manager of ship handling simulation at the Le Havre Merchant Marine Academy in France, to bring objective, experimental results into the debate about how much simulators can replace at-sea experience.

A rough trade could be one week on the simulator for six weeks at sea but Mr Clostermann warns that similar attempts made in civil aviation were quickly found to be dangerous.

“If we go too much in that direction, we will have experts at handling very risky situations but these people will not even recognise when this situation is about to occur,” he says.

During an experiment with 90 cadets on a ship simulator, one third of the trainees performed an illegal and unsafe manoeuvre, even though they knew the appropriate rules perfectly.

This led him to the development of decision games where teams evaluate a situation and actively discuss and review their decision-making processes.

While the games helped to improve the results of the collision avoidance simulation for another group of 81 cadets, they did not eliminate the difference in competence demonstrated by cadets who had experience involving similar vessel types at sea.

According to Mr Clostermann, a simulator cannot compete with normal life at sea when it comes to accumulating ordinary non-event situations where an officer learns to do the routine things that enhance situational awareness until it becomes an automatic part of their thinking.

This in turn leads to the ability to recognise the difference between a potentially dangerous situation and a normal one.

Central to building a proper situational awareness is the recognition of a generic “pattern” , derived from former encounters with similar situations, called “pattern matching” , says Mr Clostermann.

“To be able to use that specific decision making skill, a person needs a good data bank of real life experience. If the bank is not big enough, they may not recognise at once the situation and its demands.

“You learn by sailing a ship in normal conditions, without any danger, because you deepen your skills doing things without thinking about them. You cannot do this in just a few hours on the simulator. Training means repetition just like an athlete trains by running a few hours every day, all week long and all year long.”

This limitation in learning potential is not a function of simulator realism and simulator training is certainly valuable.

“Mainly what we do on the simulator is check that the knowledge is there and that the trainee has started the process of turning knowledge into skill. We also push the trainees to their limits because we can provide some very difficult situations without threatening their lives.”

Mr Clostermann, a former seafarer himself, says there is no real alternative to seagoing experience.

“Nevertheless, if we want to improve the skills of the cadets faster, the studies at management level could be focused on mastering a specific seatrade (liquid bulk, offshore support, passenger vessels, cable lying, etc.), just as the aviation industry offers type ratings for specific aircraft. This could also prevent us from training our cadets to be future jacks-of-all-trades.”

Wendy Laursen

(flightsim.com)

VRinsight & Wilco Publishing announce Ship Console.

Continuously expanding their products range, VRinsight and Wilco Publishing today announce the imminent release of the first product of its kind: Ship Console.

Whether you are an expert sailor or a hobbyist, this control unit brings reality in your hands as you can manoeuvre your ship with the same ease as if you were onboard.

The Ship Console is compatible with almost every boat simulation software: Ship Simulator – Virtual Skipper – MotorBoat Simulator – Sail Simulator – and more…

Ship Console is even compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator and its boats add-ons!

Buttons, throttles and steering bar can be easily assigned to any simulator function through the configuration menu of your simulator.

Information & Trailer:

http://www.wilcopub.com/display/prod_shipconsole.htm