Table of Contents
Introduction
Simulators have played a part in the training and development of seafarers since the 1950s, however, in recent years there has been a popular demand to incorporate more simulation based technologies into maritime programs. Due to the rise of COVID, many companies have sought new ways of being able to adequately train crew members from remote locations. As a result, the market demand for simulation technologies is at an all time high, with numerous companies beginning to change how we teach. However, there is still a cause for concern within the maritime industry, with much research being conducted on the use of stand-alone simulations, proving to benefit the user, little research has been conducted on the use of VR/AR simulations and the benefits which this may have to the user.
How is simulation used in maritime training today?
Technology is forever changing and adapting how we learn and the maritime industry is no exception. The demand for maritime simulation technology is at an all time high, caused by the ever growing need to keep up to date with technology. In recent years, simulation has proven to be a modern way to gain competence, beginning with what was once basic navigation but now covering every aspect of onboard operations. The need to keep up with technical changes has forced maritime simulation to rapidly improve in recent years. Modern simulators cover everything from simple reproductions on a computer screen to fully immersive experiences.
Regulation of simulation
The incorporation of simulation training first came into effect during the STCW Manila Amendment 2010, where many simulation based training courses were introduced to keep up to date with advancements in technology. This made it mandatory for all member states to comply. This was brought into force in January 2012, with the STCW (A-I/12) section fully dedicated to the quality, use, and instruction of marine simulation. The section specifies that two performance standards need to be met;
- Simulation for training purposes
- Simulation for assessment of competence
Overall the STCW’s aim for the incorporation of simulation based learning is to demonstrate competence in a specific task. Learners can only be declared competent upon assessment by an instructor who has undergone the required training concerning simulation standards.
Types of simulators in use today
The simulators which are being used today range in size and appearance, with many based simply on a computer screen. Although this may seem a very basic form of simulation the idea of this is to replicate pieces of equipment onboard a ship and have been proven to be very effective.
Another form of simulation which is used today is stand-alone simulators. They aim to replicate a certain piece of equipment onboard, such as ECDIS, RADAR, or GMDSS. This provides the user with operational training and certification to the STCW’s standards by using simulations that replicate the real thing. This means when they are putting theory into practice they will feel at ease using it.
Bringing all of this together are full mission simulators that are designed to replicate real bridge equipment and in some circumstances can be a full bridge replica. This type of simulation is used to provide advanced training in specialist areas such as DP operations, allowing the learner to gain certification. In some countries around the world, full mission simulators contribute to a cadet’s seafaring time.
Although there have been improvements in incorporating simulation into the maritime curriculum, it does pose the question of whether there is still enough being done to keep the standards of training up to date with the current technological advancements in the industry. In June 2021, The UK Maritime Skills Commission released its Seafarer Cadet Review Report, which highlighted the gap between the international shipping sector’s skill requirements and the skills and education which is currently being received by maritime professionals. It is certainly a need to bridge the gap of the digital divide between maritime training and simulation providers.
How are emerging technologies changing simulation-based training?
To understand how emerging technologies are changing simulation based learning, it’s important that we understand the different types of technologies out there and what they are.
Virtual reality (VR) is essentially a simulation of the real world, which is used to fabricate a situation and for the user to be fully immersed in a hypothetical form of reality. It uses computer technology to create a virtual environment that can be explored in 360 degrees.
Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real world, which is achieved by using computer generated elements to enhance an object or image by using visual, sound, or other sensory stimuli. AR is becoming popular, with many applications running on mobile devices.
Cloud Simulation is essentially a secure web platform for running scenarios online. It allows multiple users to access a simulation simultaneously and work together, similar to an online video game such as Call of Duty.
Using AR and VR at sea
The development of AR and VR technologies is on the rise, and in recent years the programs are working their way into not only the STCW’s curriculum but also into shipping companies’ training standards. In 2019 Anglo-Eastern introduced AR/VR as part of its own training program to allow seafarers to learn new skills without causing any hazards. Speaking to Smartlink, Pardeep Chawla, who is the Managing Director of QHSE and Training said that;
“The learning habits of Millennials are evolving. They love technology and have grown up playing with technology. The immersive experience of learning in virtual reality is thus exciting for young seafarers and provides a safe and risk-free environment in which they can learn experientially and master basic skills before transitioning to real-life situations,”
If the maritime industry wants to attract the next generation of seafarers then there is a need to communicate and interact with them on their level. Incorporating AR and VR technologies into the curriculum will help entice young people. Not only may it help encourage the next generation, but incorporating VR and AR simulators have also proven to provide a more engaging experience for young seafarers. In an article published by Seatrade Maritime News, Raal Harris, managing director of Videotel explains;
“It’s not all about the quest for technology, it’s about the quest to inspire human beings to be interested… it’s about creating an immersive learning experience”
AR and VR allow trainees to interact with entire systems onboard ships, without the costs of building full-scale mock-ups which will ultimately save millions and help ensure the training material is up to date. In 2019 the US Navy began testing AR/VR as a new means of teaching and if successful, this advanced tech could be the new way in which we teach.
Maritime simulation market size
The current maritime simulation market is growing, with more investment opportunities now than ever before. According to data from Thetius IQ, the maritime simulation market size is projected to grow from $2.6billion in 2022 to $4.6 billion by 2027. A compound annual growth rate of 11% over five years.
There is currently a huge demand for new ships due to the rise of seaborne trade as well as the promise of the IMO agreeing to cut ships’ carbon intensity by 40% by 2030. As a result, the deployment of new ships will require them to be manned by new crew members, who will need to be trained for the use of the new onboard equipment. Thus, fueling the demand for simulators to train them.
Key emerging players in simulation
There are more than 50 companies currently building simulation solutions for the maritime industry today. Some of the key competitors and emerging players that can be found in the maritime simulation market are as follows;
- Wärtsilä – This is a Cloud Based simulation company, which allows maritime training providers to use their usual training programs which consist of the scenarios as their physical simulators anywhere in the world with an internet connection.Â
- Kongsberg Digital – The company offers a K-Sim maritime simulation system using AR/VR technologies to provide efficient and realistic training for the user to build new skills which promote safety, sustainability, and cost-efficiency
- Image Soft – Provides full mission bridge simulations which consist of all bridge equipment with controls and a dynamic touch screen and offers a 270-degree view.
- Rheinmentall – Provide bridge simulators and aim to train personnel in operating and navigating ships in typical or emergency situations.Â
- PC Maritime – This company offers a majority of different simulators from engine room training, ship handling, and GMDSS. They offer desktop applications, full mission bridge control, or stand-alone simulation consoles.
- V360 Maritime – This company specializes in creating state of the art VR products for the maritime industry. The VR experience will range from various scenarios from emergency situations to targeted virtual environments. They aim to maximise knowledge and retention to improve safety onboard vessels.Â
Although there are many simulation companies on the market today, it’s evident that there are still gaps in the market for new entrants.
What are the key emerging opportunities in the simulation space?
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused major issues for the progression of maritime training in the UK, especially concerning cadets gaining their sea time. In the UK, for deck cadets to be able to qualify as competent officers, they must gain a minimum of 12 months of sea time. During the pandemic, many cadets were unable to join ships meaning their training was delayed and had to be extended. To overcome this in 2020, the MNTB began to explore the possibilities of incorporating simulation into training. This resulted in the green light being given for developing a simulation training program in return for a reduction in sea service.
Watchkeeping
This type of training is used in other countries around the world. The idea is based upon a Dutch model which allows students to get a 30 day sea time reduction for completing a 10 day simulation short course. The Netherlands has been practicing this type of training for almost 20 years and a study completed by Marin (a Dutch simulation company), on behalf of the Dutch government, found the program to be extremely successful. The report from Marin highlights several positives and benefits of using this practice which can be seen in the table below;
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Cadets can make mistakes without consequences | Lack of cultural experience with international crews |
| Controlled conditions and repeatability | Not experiencing the effects of stress, fatigue, and boredom |
| A more efficient learning process | Reduced experience on seaman skills such as mooring and anchoring |
| Learning content matched to the individual, with structured and standard learning content | Not knowing conditions such as motion, noise and temperature |
| Performances monitored by a professional | Restricted in their experience to complete OOW duties. |
| A more in depth training on dangerous situations which are irregular | |
| Train on a variety of different vessels andexperience situations more commonly handled by senior officers |
The MNTB is yet to complete their trials, however, if this goes ahead it would have a direct impact on merchant navy training in the UK. As highlighted previously, The Maritime Skills Commission recommended that cadets should be given access to modern technology such as simulation for the UK to maintain its leadership in maritime expertise and attract global investment.
However, not only has it been proven to be beneficial for cadets, companies such as Anglo-Eastern use the simulation for crew members at all levels from Captains down to OS. Speaking to Thetius, Pardeep Chawla Managing direction of QHSE and training for Anglo Eastern stated that;
“When you put somebody into a mock up of a bridge, which looks exactly like a ship’s bridge, the learning is quite effective in terms of being able to recreate in the minds of the individual, something like what he would be facing on the ship.”
However, although the use of full scale simulations has shown to be beneficial, Mr Chawla also explained how the simulators may harm crew members’ training. He explains;
“Sometimes it leads to overconfidence. And people do manoeuvres which are riskier and not really required.”
This may be the case with newly qualified officers, in a simulation space it is as though they are playing a videogame, where users are “invincible” and can redo the project if they have failed. When put into a real life situation, the user may not understand the importance of completing certain manoeuvres calmly and safely.
STCW and specialist training
Although the MNTB is currently reviewing the possibilities of simulation training for sea time, there is also a lot of work being conducted to assess the possibilities of using VR/AR to teach and refresh STCW short courses. In America, XVR simulation has developed software that enables its users to complete IMO-STCW approved courses in Advanced Fire Fighting and its refresher course. Other companies such as OSM are also in the process of developing VR courses for other aspects of ship training such as survival craft launching and crane operations.
The development of such simulators has also influenced other areas of the maritime industry to incorporate VR technologies into their training programs. The offshore sector is one of the lead contributors to using VR technology for training its crew. Companies such as BP are using VR for training purposes and claim that VR/AR is the future for training in the offshore industry.
VR/AR technologies for engineering, short courses, and specialist operations such as crane driving or mooring operations are still a work in progress. More work and research is required to ensure that the specialist training can be in line with STCW requirements. Nonetheless, there is an abundance of work being carried out around the world to further develop simulators, and the opportunities in the area are endless.
Predictions: How will simulation change in the next decade?
The simulation industry within the maritime sector has still got a long way to go, however, within the next decade, we are likely to see significant growth. There is a clear need for this type of technology within the industry and there are a growing number of companies dedicating their time to advancing the simulation industry.
As stated earlier, millennials and gen-z are a generation brought up within the digital era. Society has been fundamentally changed by digital technologies. To keep up with, and engage the next generation of seafarers, change needs to be made to officer training as a priority. The delays to cadet and seafarer training caused by the pandemic have opened a door for new ways of teaching the next generation of learners and industry leaders.
If the merchant sector follows what is happening in the offshore sector, we can predict that simulation will take over a significant amount of training time. A need for blended learning is a must, and the tools must be provided to make that happen. This supports the idea that more technical subjects will be taught using VR/AR programs. Not only does this allow the user to practice a particular skill, but allows them to do it in a safe environment without causing harm to themselves or others.
Colleges will likely also feel the need to incorporate more simulation learning into their curriculum, not only to engage the students but also to keep up with the technology that is currently being incorporated onboard ships. As of July 2022, the UKHO announced that they will no longer be printing paper charts and aims to phase them out by the year 2026. By the end of this decade, the need to practice chartwork will likely be eliminated.
Although simulation training is being incorporated into the curriculum, work still needs to be done on how the industry combines old styles of learning with new modern ways. Speaking to Thetius, Greg Beach, COO at V360 Group explained;
“VR is not for everything. It’s a supplement to current training. Some companies posture on LinkedIn that they can change the world and it’s going to replace all the training. That’s not the case. It’s a supplement for a blend with recurrent training… making environments and real life scenarios hazard-free and cheaper to do, and more efficient.”
Considering all of the statements that have been made so far, it is exciting to think about where the industry is going. By the end of the decade, it’s evident that we are going to be seeing some major changes, not only with the amount of technology that we will have access to but also with how learning institutions are going to be incorporating them into the curriculum.
Conclusion
Simulation based training has been widely used in many countries to develop seafarers’ skills via training and assessments. Simulations can certainly be used to demonstrate and evaluate the competency of seafarers under the current training standards set by the STCW. However, there is still many discrepancies in how the old style and the new style of training can be combined. For VR/AR training, more research and development of the equipment needs to be conducted to ensure that the programmes are set to a standard to provide the user with the best learning outcomes possible. Nonetheless, with the maritime simulation market expecting to grow significantly, the market is there for new technologies to be deployed. More companies are starting to develop programmes that can be incorporated into the current training curriculum. With the industry being slow to change, there is a need and a must for the modernisation of maritime training. Simulation can be a way to engage the younger generation to pursue a career at sea, but also incorporating VR/AR technologies and making them more accessible to training providers would save companies thousands as it would allow seafarers to complete the training from anywhere in the world. Overall, the growth in the simulation market for new technologies is still in the early stages of its development, and if the correct research on the technology is done properly, it could play a major role in the future of maritime training.
