Modular Maritime Simulation Training

Stressing the benefits associated with maritime simulation training, Dr. Gene Guest, director of MarineSafety International proposed a concept for a new wave of simulation training for high speed maritime craft (HSC) - one which seeks to address all needs, including those previously thought irreconcilable. Speaking at the High Speed Ferry Northeast 1999 Conference, held this past April in New York, Guest presented what he felt would be a viable solution to the need for better, more efficient training. His proposal examined the technical requirements of such a simulator system, and illustrated the correct use of the simulator in a training program. "High speed craft must not be thought of merely as a maritime vessel that goes faster than most other vessels," he said. "They are different in kind, not just in degree. They are built with different structures using different materials and construction techniques. They use different power plants and propulsion units. Most importantly, they have significantly different power-to-weight ratios, achieving high velocities and rapid responses to control actions. "It's not just 'another vessel' that goes faster. It's a completely different category." Guest continued by establishing the benefits of simulation training. Clearly, it's cheaper, faster and safer than actual vessel operation, he said. Obviously, training on actual vessels is difficult, since owners and operators prefer those vessels to be in service as often as possible, making training courses, impossible. Due to the higher speeds achieved by HSC, Guest suggested a "conceptual change" needs to occur in the arena of training. Specifically, training must become more specific, more rigorous and include simulation. "Maritime simulators have been around for a long time…more than 20 years," Guest said. "We cannot assume, however, that existing, standard maritime simulators will do the job. The differences in kind of HSC when compared to conventional marine craft require an analogous difference in the equipment than simulates them. There is a need to examine simulated vessel instruments and controls, layout, math models, computer update rates and visual presentation." · Technical requirements for the new generation of simulators, as suggested by Guest, include: · Specific bridge equipment (preferably, identical to the vessel being simulated), · New mathematical model, · Higher visual update rate, · Faster computer iteration, and · 3-D visuals. While some training for the crews of HSCs can be accomplished using conventional simulators, MarineSafety International proposes the concept of a modular-based, mobile simulator to fully meet the training needs of HSC operators. The needs are seemingly at war with each other: An exact replica of the vessel's bridge and a cost-effective program. Unlike the aviation industry, where cockpits are nearly identical from airplane to airplane, marine vessels are markedly different from builder to builder, and owner to owner The concept of a modular construction for the training simulator - where the simulator has a basic system, but the layout, instrumentation and controls can be changed and moved as needed; addresses the first concern. Using this methodology, it will be possible to achieve an exact replica of the vessel's bridge. Additionally, the simulator should be mobile and portable, as compared to fixed, so that it can be available at the site of the operating company's choice. Guest's suggestion was to house the simulator in a trailer, with all modular components housed inside, able to be configured to operator's specifications with limited set-up time. If such a system is not employed in a good training program, however; the good simulation can be meaningless. The simulator is a tool, and only one part - albeit an integral one - of a complete training program. Training must be continuous - it must be rigorous, regular and recurrent. As Guest pointed out, "training should not be just to learn something new, but to practice what has been learned to gain proficiency." Training should be recurrent, to prevent an atrophying of skills, as well. And that's where the practicality of simulator-based training becomes even more evident, as recurrent training on an actual vessel would necessitate the vessel being taken out of service far too often.