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
Ship Console – The First Console For Boat Simulators
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:
Kongsberg Maritime DP simulator first to achieve class A DNV Approval
Kongsberg Maritime is proud to announce that its Polaris Dynamic Positioning simulator is the first to achieve DNV approval to the stringent Class A standard. The leading simulator developer has also achieved DNV approval to Class A standards for its Bridge Operation simulator including class notification of DP, Ice Navigation, High Speed Craft and Tug simulation.
The new DNV certification for the Kongsberg Maritime Polaris Dynamic Positioning simulator and Polaris Ships Bridge simulator is according to new standards laid out in DNV Class A – Standard for Certification of Maritime Simulators No. 2.14 October 2007, which is based on the requirements of STCW Convention, Regulation I/12. The purpose of the DNV Class A approval is to ensure that the simulations provided by the simulators include an appropriate level of physical and behavioural realism in accordance with recognised training and assessment objectives.
“The Class A standard was developed as the pinnacle in simulation realism and quality,” explains Capt. Aksel D. Nordholm, Manager – Simulator Certification, DNV SeaSkillT. “Kongsberg Maritime is a key participant in the scheme as the company recognises the importance of providing its customers and indeed the shipping and offshore industry with the best possible training tools. The new Class A approvals reflect the high levels of simulator realism and pedagogical value in the Polaris DP and the Polaris Ship’s Bridge Simulator.”
The latest approvals, which were awarded on 8th October 2009, come in addition to existing DNV Class A approvals for the Polaris Ship Simulator and the large portfolio of cutting edge Kongsberg Maritime engine room simulators, which became the first to achieve DNV approval to Class A standard, in January 2008.
“The Polaris Dynamic Positioning Simulator plays an important role in the recognised and certified DP training programs used by training institutes and offshore companies around the world. Whilst our Polaris Ship’s Bridge Simulator, now with DNV classification for ice navigation, is used by many to train on navigation in extreme conditions such as the Artic waters,” comments Terje Heierstad, Product and Technology Manager, Simulation, Kongsberg Maritime. “For that reason we are constantly improving our simulators to harness the latest technology, in order to add training opportunities and value by providing the most realistic simulation possible.”
Malaysian simulation contract for Kongsberg Maritime
Kuala Lumpur: Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract by HJS Maritime SDN. BHD, Malaysia to deliver two Polaris Ship’s Bridge Simulators for use in a new centre of excellence being built for the Malaysian Marine Department. This contract follows the recent installation of the world’s largest 360° marine navigation simulator at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), Philippines.
The scope of supply comprises two full mission Polaris simulators, with integrated GMDSS and a tailor-made training package with different simulation exercises, designed by a team comprising Willem Barentsz Maritiem Instituut (Netherlands), Lantec Marine Inc. (Canada) and Pelorus Intelligence & Technology Academy (Malaysia). Additionally, Kongsberg will also support the building of a brand new building for the Malaysian Marine Department, which is specially designed to house the Polaris simulators and other rooms dedicated to improving the marine training capabilities in Malaysia.
The pre-delivery training of six of the Malaysian Marine Department’s instructors will be conducted at the Willem Barentsz Maritiem Instituut before the final installation of the simulators in June 2010.
“Our Asian simulator activity continues to expand and we see even more potential in this important market. With a simulator range from simple, user-friendly desktop simulators to advanced full mission simulators, we are able to provide internationally proven solutions that are adaptable for every customer’s needs,” adds Erik Hovland, deputy sales and marketing manager, Kongsberg Maritime, Simulation and Training Department. [21/08/09]
Groundbreaking Maritime Simulator Ship Simulator Professional Introduced at MARSIM’09
ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands and PANAMA CITY, Florida, August 18 /PRNewswire/ — Simulation developer VSTEP announces the worldwide release of their award-winning maritime training and simulation software Ship Simulator Professional v2.0 and Instructor Station at the International Conference on Marine Simulation and Ship Manoeuvrability – MARSIM ’09, in Panama. Aimed at maritime professionals, Ship Simulator Professional uses interactive 3D technology from the computer gaming industry to offer a high quality, professional maritime training and simulation tool. With highly realistic 3D visuals and maximum flexibility, Ship Simulator Professional software can be used in a wide range of setups, ranging from single or classroom use on standard desktop PC’s to a completely integrated full mission bridge setup or a combination of all.
“The simulator marks a new milestone for flexible, low cost maritime training and simulation and caters for a wide range of training needs,” says Pjotr van Schothorst, CTO of VSTEP.
Simultaneously with the release of the Ship Simulator Professional, the Instructor Station is released. For maritime instructors who require full flexibility to create their own specialized training scenarios, this Instructor Station includes all the advanced features of Ship Simulator Professional, as well as specialized high-end creation tools to customize training scenarios for specific training needs.
Ship Simulator Professional v2.0 and the Instructor Station are now available for purchase on http://www.shipsimpro.com.
A free evaluation version, giving users 20 hours of full access to the simulator and instructor station, can be requested from http://www.shipsimpro.com.
VSTEP will demonstrate the features and flexibility Ship Simulator Professional and the Instructor Station have to offer until the 20th August at MARSIM ’09, Panama.
For a full description and feature list of Ship Simulator Professional and the Instructor Station please visit http://www.shipsimpro.com.
About VSTEP
VSTEP is a leading European developer of professional simulators and virtual training software. Since the founding in 2002, over 40 training applications for leading industry clients and governmental organizations have successfully been completed. A true pioneer in the creation of innovative simulation and virtual training, VSTEP has provided solutions for customers like the Port of Rotterdam, DSM, Falck/Nutec, Shell and many others. For more information visit http://www.vstep.nl
German firm grants ship handling equipment
SEMARANG: Rheimentall Defence Electronics (RDE) of Bremen, Germany granted a Ship Handling Simulator worth 10 million euro (about US$14 million) to the Semarang Growth Centre on Thursday.
The simulator consists of a Full Mission Bridge; a Part Task Bridge Simulator; a Full Mission Engine Simulator; a Part Task Engine Simulator; an Arpa Simulator Radar; a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Simulator; GMDSS Real Equipment; a Safety and Security Trainer Simulator and a Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator.
The equipment, which has been manufactured in Bremen since 2006, was officially handed over by senior vice president of Process and Maritime Simulation at Rheimentall Defence Electronics, Bremen, Klaus-gunter Mehlhorn, to Semarang Growth Centre director Endang Kusumanti.
“We are a maritime country. The granting of this equipment will be very helpful to our maritime science and shipping students,” Endang said. – JP
Epirus Merchant Marine Academy installs Transas radar Bridge Simulator
Transas Hellas in collaboration with Transas Mediterranean SAS supplied AEN – Epirus Merchant Marine Academy in Greece with a radar Bridge Simulator.
The installed simulator will provide the necessary training with its capability to simulate various types of merchant ships. Among the other academies, the aforementioned simulator is the most modern and will contribute considerably in modern maritime training.
The bridge is designed with built in equipment flexibility to allow for reconfiguration between a variety of vessel types, including and the most modern vessels. Navigational equipment fitted on each bridge simulate real system interfaces, including modern ARPA/Radar, ECDIS, GMDSS communications, and the most modern of integrated navigation systems. Each element of the simulation suite can be operated independently or in integrated training scenarios involving up to four interactive navigational bridges. A comprehensive library of vessel models is available for use with area databases covering large areas of exercise, important global shipping ports and routes.
The Epirus Academy belongs to the ministry of merchant marine and is one out of eight in total academies in Greece whose purpose is to prepare the merchant marine officers accordingly by providing them constant and up to date training in maritime theory, as well as in the use of modern technologies thus paving the way for a successful career.
The studies in the academy include the attendance of theoretical courses and practical exercises in the respective workshops with the simulators’ assistance.
Transas integrates Navigational and ERS simulators for Maritime Training Centre
CERONAV, the biggest maritime training centre in the Black Sea region of Romania, has chosen the Transas Group to extend its maritime simulator capabilities for the fourth time.
The latest contract includes extensions of the existing navigational simulator (NTPro) and Engine Room Simulator (ERS) and integration to provide joint training functionality for different groups of sea specialists, namely bridge and engine room teams. Transas extended the existing ERS simulator with Tanker LCC ships software modules and equipped it with a new dedicated hardware solution called Alarm Light Column. Transas will also add two bridges to the complex, all equipped with the latest version of navigational simulator software and dedicated hardware ship controls. These medium sized bridges are capable of simulating the complete shipboard bridge operation situation, including advanced manoeuvring in restricted waterways. All installation works have already been completed on time by specialists from Transas Black Sea.
The recent installation consolidates a unique training solution for Romania. CERONAV boasts cutting edge simulation technologies and exceptional instructors, providing training services not only for Romanian sailors but also working with foreign partners. The improvements will help the Simulation Centre to strengthen its status and extend capacity.
Project lead Evgeny Drumachik comments on the contract, “Now CERONAV has the potential to conduct a unique course: ‘Bridge team and engine department personnel education and training’ (according to IMO and STCW’95 requirements and recommendations). We’re very proud to be able to offer integrated functionality, consisting of direct remote engine control from the bridge, Engine Control Room (ECR) control at the order from the bridge, and an extensive data exchange between simulators.”
Transas and CERONAV are keeping their partnership in an active phase, with future plans already underway for further development of the Centre’s training facilities.
Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training new office confirms first sale to AMET University
Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training has recently opened a sales office in Mumbai, India in cooperation with Kongsberg Process Simulation Ptv. Ltd. Within a few months of setting up its sales and service office in Mumbai, Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training has signed its first Ship Handling Simulator agreement, to supply a Full Mission Polaris Bridge Simulator and a Full Mission Engine Room Simulator to AMET University in Chennai India.
AMET University is one of the premier educational institutions for maritime education in India, and trains approx. 1500 cadets a year for a seafaring career. Typically, cadets enroll for a Bachelor Nautical Sciences or a Marine Engineering degree. AMET University also conducts advanced courses such as MBA in Shipping and Logistics.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Rajesh Ramachandran, Pro-Chancellor AMET University, and Kishore Sundaresan, Managing Director, Kongsberg Process Simulation, India. The agreement was signed at the AMET University Campus in Chennai. The sale to a prestigious institution like AMET has reinforced the presence of Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training in India. The company’s Mumbai office is geared to meet the challenges of the growing requirements of the Indian market.
India is a leading supplier of trained seafarers to the international shipping industry. Hence, there is a need for state-of-the-art training facilities. Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training’s presence in India promotes the establishment of such training facilities whilst at the same time providing high quality customer support.
Research council supports port expansion projects
The CSIR also analyses data on ship motion. Ship motion simulator software is run on computers to determine how a ship will be manoeuvred into the port. A pilot will steer the simulated ship into the harbour, which will provide statistical information that is then used to design the safe layout of a port.
For example, different conditions and scenarios are fed into the simulation and repeated simulations provide information on how wide the entrance channel should be. The simulations are also carried out with a few different harbour layouts to determine which is the safest and most economic design. The simulations also allow the ports to be tested for ships of the future, not only ships that currently use the ports.
The computer simulations are also used for the physical model results and after the port has been designed for safety and efficiency, the physical model can help determine the wave action that may enter the port for each port expansion design. Data is extracted from all the different models and simulations to increase the efficiency of the actual port expansion design, and determine limiting conditions for safe port operations.