ECDIS distance training with NavSkills CAT
Furuno’s INS Training Centre in Denmark has released the new distant training platform NavSkills CAT, using a computer aided training platform to provide high quality training to Furuno’s ECDIS users.
The NavSkills Computer Aided Training or, the NavSkills CAT, combines the best parts from computer based training as well as class room training. The NavSkills CAT is initially designed to provide type specific ECDIS training, but the platform can be used for familiarisation of other vital navigation equipment in the future.
The NavSkills CAT is centred on a cloud computer hosting the training application software. To access the cloud server, the trainee will have to use a workstation provided by Furuno. The NavSkills CAT workstation is designed to be installed and used anywhere with a broadband internet connection. This could be within the customers’ premises so that the trainings can be conducted at the shipowners’ side.
The workstation accommodates the optimum training environment, with dual displays (one for ECDIS and one for radar/conning/ship control and visual simulation) and a control head similar to the actual Furuno ECDIS control head used onboard the vessel. This way, the trainees can learn, through the training, how to navigate the menus with the track ball and how to use the fast keys and controls on the control panel for fast and easy operation of Furuno ECDIS. The workstation is provided by Furuno is fully configured as a plug and play solution, requiring no setting up at the trainee side.
In order to achieve better training results, Furuno is launching a help desk, which will provide online support to the trainees using Voice over IP (VoIP). The help desk is accessible through a soft key on the system screen. By activating the help desk function, the trainee is connected to an instructor who can guide the trainee or answer questions to facilitate the trainee’s better understanding of the Furuno ECDIS.
The NavSkills CAT is offered to the shipowners on a subscription basis, with a yearly flat rate per workstation. The fee covers the provision and maintenance of the workstation and access to the training application software and help desk. This means that the shipowner can train as many navigators as he wishes on the system within the subscription period at a fixed fee, and because the training is utilising cloud computing, the training is available 24/7. Alternatively, NavSkills CAT can be subscribed to on a pay as you go plan depending on the number of certificates issued (service fee depending on number of trainees receiving the service).
The training on the current Furuno ECDIS FEA-2107/FEA-2807 became available in September.
