Sophisticated simulators contribute to safe navigation
The sophistication of ship simulators has shot up over the last 30 years, increasing their contribution to safe navigation in ports. Simulators have many uses and benefits beyond the training of new marine pilots and tug masters, and are set to develop further, as HR Wallingford manager Dr Mark McBride explains.
Dr Mark McBride HR Wallingford Limited In a similar way to how the look and
feel of computer games has transformed over the last 30 years, the graphics on ship navigation simulators have become much more realistic. Both sectors have benefited from advances in computer‐generated imagery (CGI) and the expansion in size and definition of screens, made possible by the mushrooming of computing power.
Rocketing processing power has also made a huge difference to the modelling behind the display screens as computers handle
ever increasing amounts of data. As a result, scientists can build ever more accurate models of ships, ports, and environmental conditions including current and flows – all necessary for realistic simulations of navigation scenarios.
The higher quality of simulation, combined with the bespoke facilities designed for pilotage, has been key to the success and acceptance of simulation as a training tool. If tug masters or marine pilots are trying out a simulation of a new tug or ship in a port that they know well, their confidence will be boosted by seeing that a simulator correctly replicates existing navigation conditions and the layout of the port.
Simulators are now widely used in tug master and pilot training – for new starter training, learning certain manoeuvring techniques, and moving up class and refresher courses. Simulators can accelerate training programmes by creating weather conditions, such as storms, which otherwise may not occur regularly. Pilots can practice high risk manoeuvres in tricky areas, such as navigating into a difficult berth, to gain confidence and reduce the risk of accidents when trying it out for real.
Caption Dublin Port Tug Masters rehearse manoeuvres on one of the Tug Simulators
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Society of Maritime Industries Handbook & Members’ Directory 2020
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