In a bid to bolster maritime safety and training, a recent study published in the *Journal of Maritime Research and Technology* (formerly known as ‘Maritime Research and Technology’) has shed light on the effectiveness of full-mission simulation training in the maritime sector. The research, led by Ashraf Mohamed Elsayed, a Marine Simulator Instructor at the Integrated Simulator Complex of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this advanced training tool, while also proposing a novel solution to enhance its efficacy.
Full-mission simulators have long been hailed for their ability to replicate real-life marine environments, providing trainees with practical exercises that are crucial for their development. However, as Elsayed points out, “there are problems such as high usage costs and the risk of overwhelming the trainees.” To mitigate these issues, the study proposes the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) interoperability with full-mission simulators. This combined approach is anticipated to improve the quality of training, reduce costs, and increase the capability of developing diverse scenarios.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. By enhancing the quality of maritime training, shipping companies can expect to see a reduction in accidents and incidents at sea, leading to lower insurance premiums and improved operational efficiency. Moreover, the proposed VR integration could make high-quality training more accessible to smaller shipping companies, democratizing safety and education in the maritime sector.
Elsayed’s study also highlights the potential for this integrated training approach to keep the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport at the forefront of maritime education and training development. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the need for innovative training methods will only grow, and this research provides a promising path forward.
In the words of Elsayed, “Combining these systems in training and simulation proposes wide advantages including an efficient and logical program that ensures efficient outcomes.” With the publication of this research, the maritime industry is one step closer to realizing these benefits, paving the way for a safer and more skilled maritime workforce.