Cutting-edge maritime simulators, which provide students with an opportunity to learn and practice in a realistic environment, have proved an effective tool in the training of maritime students across the globe.
The importance of this training tool along with developments in this area was recently shared at the 19th International Simulator Lecturer Conference (INSLC), which took place at the Granger Bay Campus.
The conference, which attracts academics from the world’s top maritime training institutions, was hosted by CPUT’s Department of Maritime Studies and the South African Maritime Training Academy.
Chair of the INSLC, Prof Knud Benedict, says the conference is key for those involved in the training of maritime students as it provides an opportunity to share best practices as well as the advancement of maritime training and research through the use of simulation.
Simulators provide students with access to a full-mission ship’s bridge, allowing them to learn key navigation elements, from ship-handling to the use of the radar and passage planning.
Knud, who is a leading academic at Wismar University of Applied Science in Germany, says the equipment on ships is diverse and the type of simulators being used by training institutions vary.
“Some simulators are advanced, while others are simpler. There is thus enough room for us to exchange views,” he says.
Presentations covered topical issues such as handling vessels that are outgrowing ports to the role of simulations in developing graduates for a safe, efficient and sustainable shipping development.
Several speakers also shared latest developments in simulator training.
