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Integrated Ports Training at South Tyneside
01 Dec 2005
The Harwich Integrated Ports Course run by South Tyneside College's School of Maritime Studies and Engineering has become the first of its kind to be approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The short course uses simulation developed with Harwich Haven Authority, which has responsibility for the UK ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich.
The innovative course integrates all the elements of ports personnel training and combines the logistics of moving vessels within port limits. Before it was introduced it was common for pilots, tug skippers, ferry masters and other personnel to be trained in isolation without ever meeting. This more integrated approach enables a range of job holders to develop a greater mutual understanding of their respective roles as well as improving communications and working relationships.
The course has been so popular that other harbour authorities are recognising the benefits of an integrated approach to training.
The marine centre at South Tyneside is now working with other UK harbour authorities to develop tailored combined courses for port employees, covering emergency response handling, operational training and safety certification.
Captain Chris Thompson, Head of Department for Marine Simulation Ports and Harbours said, 'It's amazing to think that all the people involved in running a major logistical ports operation had never properly communicated and trained in specific procedures. Our course pulls all these different elements together and we re delighted that it has received MCA approval.
'We are further improving our Kongsberg/Norcontrol VOC software before Christmas, enabling us to create a VTS image of any port presently available in digital chart format.'
Facilities at South Tyneside's £4m Marine Simulation Centre include a full mission bridge simulator with digital projected images, a four bridge navigation simulator with plasma screens, the VTMS simulator using the Kongsberg/Norcontrol VOC software, and a full mission main engine simulator and engine work stations with medium, high speed, turbine and diesel electric systems. The Port Operations Unit includes a further four KMSS bridges and a comprehensive purpose built VTMIS simulator.
Advanced simulation software enables the centre to provide top quality ship manoeuvring, tugging and piloting scenarios with 3D geographic databases and detailed digital imagery.
The software reproduces conditions at a variety of other UK and international ports.
MJ Information No: 21314
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