Full mission simulators for ECDIS training
UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd has unveiled its new VSTEP Nautis full mission bridge simulator with a 315° viewing capability.
It is to primarily be used for Bridge Team training but has been fitted with four different ECDIS systems, all integrated with the Nautis software. The simulator was opened last month by MP George Hollingbery in Southampton.
The Bridge Simulator is to accompany the six smaller Nautis simulators already used for visual channels during the IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS Course. VSTEP are known for their simulator software and have the capability of integrating their system with most ECDIS manufactures using standard NMEA strings as found onboard any vessel.
The Bridge Simulator has been set up with two radars and four ECDIS sytems, including OSI, Kelvin Hughes, JRC and Transas, which are all fully integrated. However, it can also be integrated with other ECDIS manufacturers as required by clients. The system is capable of displaying radar, AIS, and ARPA overlays onto the ECDIS, giving an extremely realistic experience for the mariner.
Mark Broster, managing director of ECDIS Ltd said: “It represents another milestone in our company that we have partnered with such a large, well respected and global simulator manufacturer. However, our aim remains the same, to provide excellent quality training at affordable prices to the mariner. Expanding our portfolio with the Enav Centre is providing exactly that. Due to the success of this project, it is likely that we will select the VSTEP simulation solution for all our future facilities and procurements abroad.”
Malcolm Instone, director of operations and standards added: “Considerable time and effort goes into the development of our ECDIS courses to ensure that they are of the highest quality, and the new Bridge Team Management, Bridge Resource Management and Bridge Procedures courses are no different. ECDIS Ltd and the Enav Centre’s comprehensive course content is delivered by consummate professionals with extensive knowledge and experience of navigating. The result is the very best training available anywhere in the world.”
The official opening of the Bridge Simulator took place on Friday 26 October.
