Collaboration to Enhance Development and Application of Shiphandling Simulators

It has been well proved that shiphandling simulators are efficient and useful facilities for training and education of cadets and seafarers. Most of the maritime universities and many maritime training institutes all over the world have installed shiphandling simulators, which play important roles in maritime education and training. However, most of the Shiphandling simulators are standalone facilities with diversities on system architectures, layouts and functions. STCW78/95 requires simulators used for simulator-based training shall be suitable for the selected objectives and training tasks. To ensure the shiphandling simulator facilities meet the requirements of STCW convention and other expanded applications, collaborated research and coordination are needed in development and application of shiphandling simulators. Performance standard should be established for shiphandling simulator systems considering the advanced research needs as well as the needs in education, training, and assessment of competence. Standardizing and exchanging shiphandling mathematical models will improve critical performance of the system. Cooperated research on model course and training assessment approaches will enhance the training standard. In addition, the rapid spread of the internet technology has shown a promising future of application of shiphandling simulators through internet. Research has been carried out on internet based integration of multiple shiphandling simulators. A multi-agent based system, including necessary hardware, has been developed. Collaborated operation of the system can be of benefit in filling the gaps of the technical and operational level and methodology between maritime universities, enhancing mutual understanding of the navigation customs and culture background among cadets and seafarers from different countries, facilitating communication and maritime English training, and extending the functions of shiphandling simulators.