Page 45: of Marine News Magazine (January 2015)

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TRAINING & EDUCATION

Simulation Center Opening

Kongsberg State-of-the-art Equipment Target Markets

The Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. Tug and While the simulation center was funded by Bouchard

Barge Simulation Center is the latest in Kongsberg Polaris and features replica simulation models of the Bouchard

Bridge simulation technology, utilizing an industry-in- ? eet and will serve to train and maintain Bouchard sea- spired bridge console arrangement, with the latest hydro- men, the center is ? rst a critical resource for SUNY Mari- dynamic ship models and exercise areas. The Center offers time cadets. It is also open for business industry companies full mission bridge simulators, instruction stations, and a and professionals. SUNY Maritime continues to invest in de-brie? ng area, where instructors can discuss topics in- the latest simulation technologies for its students and cor- cluding navigation, seamanship and bridge resource man- porate clients. Not content to sit on their hands, SUNY agement skills required in the operation of tugs and barges. will augment the new center in early 2015 with a new

According to Eric Johannson, SUNY Maritime’s Vice Engine room Simulation Center and a new Liquid Cargo

Chairman, Professional Education & Training Depart- Handling System Simulator.

ment, Kongsberg simulation features high end hydrody- Morton Bouchard III sums up the effort nicely by insist- namics, as well as the ability to steer the tug into the tug ing, “Training and education is 200% more today. You can- notch and connect with either wire push gear or PINS not be pro? table in this industry unless you are safe,” he (ATB). He adds, “This is a very high end feature. Each said, adding “You cannot be safe unless you train, but that’s connection method has dead on degrees of freedom and not only in the simulator, it’s every day on these vessels. The handling characteristics.” At SUNY, attention will be given captains in our company are held to the highest standards to to the complexities of all operating tugs and barges, rang- be safe, and that is the only way that you can be pro? table.” ing in size from 3,000 to 12,000 horsepower, which carry For SUNY Maritime, the ? rst priority for simulator train- all types of commodities. The Center creates new opportu- ing focuses on Deck Cadets in the Towing Program seeking nities and better prepares future and current professionals Mate 1,600 Ton license for STCW Bridge Resource Man- for successful careers in the maritime industry. agement and boat handling skills. Externally, the simulator 45 www.marinelink.com MN

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