Page 10: of Marine News Magazine (September 2026)

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Insights

Digital Training train in realistic scenarios that prepare them for complex not experience ? rst-hand until years into their career.

and high-pressure situations. Crucially, Multraship’s digital simulator training initia-

One major difference is that this new simulation suite is tive gives younger recruits a safe and secure space to learn speci? cally designed to help tug crews understand the chal- from mistakes without the fear of real-life consequences. lenges of manoeuvrability. Most vessel simulators are built Teams work on the simulator together and, after a sce- to train crew for navigational scenarios but modern, power- nario has played out, our trainers – many of whom are ful tug vessels, operate in con? ned, shallow and fast-? owing experienced tug captains in their own right – create a safe waters. This means tug crews need to be able to adapt to environment for discussion. They are also encouraged to dynamic weather changes and sea conditions, while keeping challenge decisions, learn from experienced seafarers and their vessels under control and safe throughout. think more critically. All crew members are asked what

The feedback to Multraship’s simulator since launch has went wrong, what they would do differently, and how will been incredibly positive, particularly from our younger crew this change their next operation. These human discussions members. Many have adapted quickly to an immersive and are just as important as the technology itself.

mixed-reality environment that enhances their decision-mak- That is why this approach has led to many of Multra- ing skills, builds their con? dence in handling realistic scenari- ship’s crew members, both new and experienced, choos- os and gives new recruits the opportunity to experience some ing to voluntarily undertake more training outside of their of our industry’s most challenging situations that they may mandated requirements. Not only do they understand how simulation training can further their careers much quicker than traditional at-sea training, but they thrive in a digital- ? rst world that puts their skills to the test, builds their con- ? dence and creates greater cohesion between crewmates.

The latest generation of seafarers are always after op- portunities. By adopting a digital-? rst approach to train- ing, many are developing their sea legs quicker, leading to greater retention of high-quality, enthusiastic and dedicat- ed tug crew members built for the future.

Crews of the Future

Of course, we must not underestimate the importance of everyday and practical experience. Translating the skills built on a simulator into a real-world environment is not straightforward. It requires judgement, con? dence and lead- ership to take decisive actions when conditions change or the operation needs to be adapted, and this only comes with real-world experience that can take years to accomplish.

However, by giving younger crew members a head start with technology they are more comfortable using and training environments in which they can thrive, we can better support the recruitment, development and reten- tion of tug crews of the future.

The crews of tomorrow are out there and shipping is going to need them. We need to do our part by creating a modern and effective training environment that gives the next gen- eration the skills and con? dence to build long and ful? lling careers and prepare them for every eventual scenario. 10 | MN September 2026