Thome invests in bridge simulator to enhance seafarer training

Kongsberg Digital supplied its latest K-Sim navigation simulator with 320° of visualisation, enabling seafarers to practice their navigation and ship handling skills in a safe environment.

This investment is driven by the need for Thome to ensure its seafarers keep pace with the rapidly changing technology on board modern vessels.

“Making sure our crew is fully trained on the latest equipment before they go on board is a necessity, which is why we have invested in the most up-to-date technology from Kongsberg,” said Thome Group chief executive Olav Nortun.

“The new bridge system can be integrated with the K-Sim engine simulator which enables a comprehensive range of training scenarios that will help support inter-departmental operations,” he said. “The system also has a playback facility which allows full debriefing sessions with the trainees.”

This is the second navigation simulator Thome Group has opened in its training centre in Manila. These simulators enable its mariners to use equipment with the same functionality as real onboard equipment, while operating in a safe training room environment.

This latest addition simulates vessel operations and navigation in different geographic locations, weather conditions and with other nearby vessels, for trainees to gain a better understanding of seascapes and interacting within multiple scenarios.

Thome can provide training in challenging scenarios to more of its seafarers at a time when travel is restricted, by investing in training facilities in the Philippines, said executive vice chairman Claes Eek Thorstensen.

“This new simulator will teach our teams how to use onboard equipment in a controlled environment,” he said. “People tend to retain much more knowledge when having to perform an actual task than just passively listening to someone talking. So, these incredibly realistic simulators are the ideal way to ‘learn by doing’,” said Mr Thorstensen.

In addition, these simulators have the capability to remotely view live classes from anywhere in the world, allowing clients to observe their crews in training.

“At a time when travel is limited, having the ability to view these simulators in real time from other locations is an added bonus,” said Mr Thorstensen.

Thome will use its latest Kongsberg simulator to conduct navigational training including bridge team management, ship handling, ship-to-ship manoeuvres, deck simulator assessments and ice navigation.

Training can be customised to specific client requirements to enable bespoke courses on specific ship types, geographical regions and operations.

Seafarer training and vessel crewing will be discussed during Riviera’s series of virtual conferences and webinars during 2021 - use this link to access more details and register for these events