VR SIMULATOR TRAINS SEAFARERS FOR VESSEL OPERATIONS
A Virtual Reality training simulator created by Aurora Digital Solutions (a Northern Marine Group company), is aiming to better equip seafarers to execute one of the most hazardous vessel operations in the industry.
The thirty minute, fully immersive Mooring Operations Safety simulator teaches users a range of seafaring duties related to mooring, such as equipment checks, inspections, main-tenance and physical operational processes, as well as vital situational awareness training covering snapback zones, bights and pinch points.
The Company created the syllabus of micro-modules in partnership with the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime Educational Foundation, following analysis of incident statistics and consultation with experienced crew and onshore maritime specialists via its parent company Northern Marine Group.
Jamie Roberts, Digital Innovation Manager, Aurora Digital Solutions, said: “By leveraging the immersive power of Virtual Reality, we can now provide the trainee with the situational awareness and in-depth understanding of what operational best practice related to mooring operations will feel and look like well before they step onboard.
“Having developed the VR training package in consultation with experienced crew we were able to create an increased level of authenticity and an opportunity for users to witness the serious consequences caused by human error or equipment failure.”
Jamie added: “With the support of the MNTB and Maritime Educational Foundation, we are now in a position to take this to industry to demonstrate a strong case for the use of the technology. We plan to also share the simulator with UK nautical colleges, so they can build this training into their existing curriculum.”
Kathryn Neilson, Director, Merchant Navy Training Board, added: “With the MNTB’s drive to enhance seafarer skills and competency levels, the MNTB has watched the development of Aurora Digital Solutions’ Mooring Simulator programme with great interest.
“We were delighted when the Maritime Educational Foundation agreed to offer financial support to the project, enabling the concept to become a reality. The programme is a perfect example of what can be achieved using VR technology in training and I am looking forward to seeing further projects come to fruition.
“We have the ability to deliver training using VR technology, now we need to implement it. Results have proven that training through this medium enhances performance and that, topped with the ability to perform operations in a controlled and safe environment, is a key factor in the development of this type of technology for seafarer training.”
The Simulator has already received critical industry acclaim. At the time of writing (early September), it had been shortlisted for a Safety4Sea Technology Award.
Northern Marine’s ship owner clients have already been benefitting from the Company’s utilization and development of Virtual Reality technology via its Marine Engineering service offering.
Aurora Digital Solutions are also exploring opportunities to utilize Virtual and Augmented Reality to enhance safety and operations in other sectors out-with Maritime.
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