Page 38: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q1 2012)

Canada. Racicot adds, ?We also has several partners who are experts in particular Þ elds that can be brought in to facilitate special classes if a customer desires something unique that the onsite staff does not have the required level of expertise in.? None of this, therefore, is done in a vacuum. Augmenting the initial $3 million initial investment, MSRC continues to mod- ernize the hardware and invests constantly in order to bene Þ t from the latest versions of software developed by Kongsberg via their LTSSP (Long-Term System Support Program). This includes applications that provide an in-house database com- pilation capability, enabling MSRC to build, modify or cus- tomize simulated geographic areas and ship models to suit client-speciÞ c requirements as well as that of the CLSLP. THE HAT TRICK: COMBINING TECHNOLOGY, EXPERTISE AND TECHNOLOGY In this case, the ?Hat Trick? metaphor is much more than a playon words for this Canadian-based training asset. For any port authority or engineering Þ rm interested in port develop- ment, the simulation facility represents one of the most com- prehensive combinations of equipment, technology and pilot- age expertise available anywhere. One of few facilities that can combine three full mission tug bridges and a large ship full mission bridge into a single fully integrated simulation exercise or scenario, allowing the examination of human fac- tors as well as pure maneuvering/design principles, MSRC?s in-house pilotage expertise ensures that clients get a workable solution that can be fully demonstrated and validated, using high Þ delity interactive simulations. MSRC has numerous testimonials to its value and prowess, but perhaps none more revealing than that sent by Towing Solutions, Inc. The Þ rm has participated in several training sessions at the Maritime Simulation and Resource Centre in Quebec City and their President, Captain Gregory Brooks, said recently, ?We especially appreciate that the staff is not only largely made up of senior pilots and a few naval of Þ cers all of whom have exceptional knowledge of ship handling and advanced navigational skills, but they also are extremely well versed in the operation of the simulator itself. This later fea- ture is the one that we appreciate the most, as their staff liter- ally has the ability to identify and Þ x problems when they sur- face, where most other facilities in North and Central America MSRC: Hat Trick We also has several partners who are experts in particular ? elds that can be brought in to facilitate special classes if a customer desires something unique that the onsite staff does not have the required level of expertise in.? ? Paul Racicot, Director, Maritime Simulation and Resource Center. 38 | Maritime Professional |1Q 2012