Page 49: of Marine News Magazine (June 2012)

www.marinelink.com MN49equipment giving the instructor the capability to monitor each of the K-Pos displays on the full mission bridge in the instructor room, along with the possibility to monitor and control settings on the K-Pos DP system . DEVELOPINGTHEREALISMREQUIRED According to Terje Heierstad, Product & Technology Manager, Kongsberg Maritime, visual and physical real- ism is the ingredient that makes sea-time reduction train- ing a possibility: The latest generation of our Seaview visual system utilises advanced techniques to ensure real- ism of the scene, which is vital because a significant pro- portion of information retained by students during simu- lator training is gathered through visual observation of what goes on outside the bridge.?Ship models are created using the AgX physical engine, optimised for high fidelity real time simulation of lines and anchor chains used in anchor handling, towing or crane operations. The physical modeling simulates all physical forces in an offshore scenario and real time calcu- lations of loads/forces for line tensions on the drum/winches, friction on the seabed and aft deck and collision detection between all objects in the scenario. Exercise area databases are modeled to the highest degree of realism using S57 chart data from C-MAP as the foun- dation, in addition to other available geo-spatial and ter- rain data. Objects in the area database are modelled and photo textured including day and night texturing/light maps. Additionally, full triangulation enables correct col- lision detection between objects and the seabed. The realism possible prepares operators for their job with minimal live training and enables a life-like depic- tion of DP operations, in the safety and relative low cost of a shore based training facility,? concludes Heierstad. Table 1 Intensive DP DP sea-time simulator training reduction 1st week42 days 2nd week42 days Shuttle tanker DP sea-time offshore loadingreduction Phase 222.5 hrs simulator time (35 days)Phase 315 hrs simulator time (21 days)