MARIN Debuts Tug Simulators
MARIN has upgraded two part task simulators into full tug simulators, which have been used in training & studies for TOTAL, Port of Rotterdam, Meyer Werft and OLT Toscana, amongst others.
For years MARIN’s Nautical Center has made extensive use of full mission bridge simulators for nautical studies and training and for many of these simulations tugs play an important role. Although it is possible to use computer (or autopilot) controlled tugs, it is preferable to have the tug masters themselves control the tugs. This brings a high degree of realism to simulations and also importantly, the vast experience of the tug masters provides valuable input. Previously, MARIN had often used part task simulators but it took the decision to upgrade these to make the training as realistic as possible. The new tug simulators are a great step forward. Instead of sitting in a room with a ‘one-screen visual image’, the tug captain now steps onboard a real vessel. With 270 degrees of projected visual scenery and a large TV screen for the view astern, the tug captain is provided with the same view as he has from his own tugboat. This includes a good view abeam, which is a great help in estimating the tug speed.
More Realistic
To make it feel even more realistic, much attention was paid to the consoles and the simulators are equipped with professional helmsmen NorSap chairs. The newly developed hi-tech consoles, which have flexible controls, allow the tug stations to be converted from ASD tugs to a conventional or Voith Schneider configuration within minutes. The controls and read-outs are generic and self-explanatory, making them ideal to simulate different ship types. As well as tugs, they can also be used to simulate inland waterway vessels or coasters for example.
The first feedback MARIN has received from the tug masters using the new stations was highly enthusiastic. As well as improving the experience of the tug masters, this upgrade makes dedicated tug training possible and MARIN can now improve the realism of other simulations as well.
(As published in the October 2013 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - www.marinelink.com)
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Other stories from October 2013 issue
Content
- LeBeouf Celebrates Double Christening page: 10
- Sofware Solutions Picking up Steam page: 12
- Winn Willard: Bringing Venerable Designs Forward page: 14
- U.S. Defense Conducts Maritime Strike Ops page: 18
- Safety: A Shift in Culture page: 20
- Hidden Exposures Can Sink a Business page: 24
- MARIN Debuts Tug Simulators page: 26
- Blowing in the “Vind” page: 28
- Year of the C-Dragon page: 32
- Maersk & New Containership Economics 101 page: 34
- GOL SALVAGE Taking on the Global Giants page: 40
- Advancing Monitoring Requires Advanced Oversight page: 44
- The Netherlands: Maritime Nation Thrives Despite Downturn page: 47
- Anything but Standard: Damen Newbuild and Repair Group Targets Global Growth page: 48
- Barge Master Provides Stable Platform for Crane, Offshore Ops page: 50
- Offshore Logistics: Wilson, Sons Group & Brasco Offshore Logistics page: 54
- Subsea Vessels Poised for Increased Global Demand page: 56
- APL Saves $30M/Year through Hull Optimization page: 58
- Bore, NAPA & ClassNK Team for Energy Consumption Study page: 60
- Damen Quick Docking/Fuel Saving Package page: 69
- MTU Series 8000 Marine Engines page: 69
- Air Products Nitrogen Membrane Generator page: 69
- FloScan: ABS Certification for New Flowmeters page: 69
- Fitch Fuel Catalyst page: 69
- Portable Industrial Combustion Gas & Emissions Analyzer page: 69
- Survitec: PFD Innovations page: 69
- Fire Detection from Fireboy-Xintex page: 70
- Paint Gun Washers Maintenance Kit page: 70
- Videotel Launches New Ports and Pilots Catalogue page: 70
- Onboard Drinking Water: Martek Marine Advises page: 70
- Bestobell FLIV for LNG Carrier page: 70
- New Diesel Welder/Generators page: 70
- Clean Marine’s EGCS First to Operate Inside ECA page: 70
- Victaulic Unveils Press-To-Connect Pipe-Joining System page: 71
- ExxonMobil Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants page: 71
- MTNW Debuts LCI-90i-IS page: 71
- Rolls-Royce Gas Turbine for Combat Ship page: 71
- Home Study For Mariners page: 71
- Anti Corrosion Technology Clam page: 71
- New Engine and Steering Solution page: 71