In the ever-evolving world of maritime education, simulators have become as essential as the ships they mimic. But how effective are these high-tech training tools? That’s the question Murat Yorulmaz, from Kocaeli University’s Maritime Faculty, set out to answer. His recent study, published in the journal ‘Informational Technologies and Learning Tools’ (Інформаційні технології і засоби навчання), delves into the effectiveness and suitability of various ship simulators from the perspective of maritime instructors.
Yorulmaz and his team focused on seven key simulators: ARPA Radar, ECDIS, GMDSS, Ship Control, Environmental Imaging, Liquid Cargo Handling, and Electronic Navigation Devices. They wanted to understand how these tools stack up in terms of design, functionality, and overall effectiveness in training deck-class seafarers.
The study used a combination of questionnaire data and multi-criteria decision-making methods, including AHP, TOPSIS, and PROMETHEE, to evaluate the simulators. The findings were clear: the most crucial factor for instructors was how closely the simulator mimicked real-life conditions. As Yorulmaz puts it, “closeness to reality” was the top criterion, while “design esthetics” took a backseat.
So, which simulator came out on top? The ECDIS simulator, followed by the ARPA Radar simulator. The rankings for Ship Control, GMDSS, and Liquid Cargo Handling simulators were consistent across the methods used, indicating a strong consensus among instructors.
But why does this matter for the maritime industry? Well, effective simulators don’t just make for better-trained seafarers; they also offer cost-effective solutions that meet the sector’s needs. Inadequately designed simulators can hinder skill development and negatively impact the learning process. On the other hand, simulators that hit the mark can significantly boost the quality of maritime education.
For maritime training institutions, this study provides a roadmap for investing in the right simulators. For manufacturers, it offers insights into what instructors value most, opening up opportunities for innovation and improvement. And for the industry as a whole, it underscores the importance of high-quality, realistic training tools in preparing the next generation of seafarers.
Yorulmaz’s work is a significant contribution to the maritime literature, filling a gap in the research on simulator effectiveness. As the industry continues to evolve, so too will the tools we use to train our seafarers. Studies like this one ensure that we’re investing in the right technologies, for the right reasons.