AMC, Kongsberg in VR Training Collaboration
Kongsberg Digital AS has cemented its long-standing position as the primary supplier of simulation software and hardware to the Australian Maritime College (AMC), with the recent confirmation of a new Long-Term System Support Program (LTSSP).
Kongsberg Digital Area Sales Manager Paul Gilkison and AMC principal Michael van Balen signed the agreement – the third successive five-year contract between the two parties – on Thursday, August 8 at the AMC’s Newnham campus in Launceston.
Kongsberg Digital simulators are the platform of choice at the AMC’s world-class Center for Maritime Simulations; and as Mr van Balen explains, the continuing relationship with Kongsberg provides stability in AMC’s training methodology.
Damien Freeman from the AMC’s Center for Maritime Simulations says K-Sim Navigation represents a groundbreaking move into next-generation platform functionality, including virtual reality interactions (VRI). “VRI enables a student to be placed in simulation exercises on the deck of a ship, in the engine room or on the bridge, experiencing and interacting with the simulated environment as they would in the real world.
“K-Sim Navigation is based on a cutting-edge technology platform and will enable more realistic training scenarios and enhanced user benefits for both instructors and students. An advanced new physical engine and state-of-the-art hydrodynamic modelling will allow vessels, objects and equipment to behave and interact as in real life.
“Vessels and objects including various geographical training areas and all possible weather conditions are brought to life with a sophisticated new visual system.” Mr Freeman adds that K-Sim functionality will enable all AMC simulators to be integrated seamlessly to enable common exercise for full crew resource management training.
AMC’s Maritime Simulation Center features a full mission ship’s bridge simulator, two 360° tug simulators, a full mission engine room, an advanced dynamic positioning bridge simulator, six basic dynamic positioning simulators, six ship operations cubicles and an 18-seat electronic chart display laboratory.
The simulation facilities bridge the gap between practice and theory and are used for research into port development, ship maneuvering, improving ship and port safety, training seafarers and teaching undergraduates.