Solent University’s Warsash Maritime School has deployed the first Inmarsat Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) bridge simulator in Southampton, UK
This will enable students and professional seafarers to practise using Inmarsat GMDSS to contact emergency response organisations in real-life scenarios before going on board vessels.
This industry standard GMDSS bridge is in the school’s maritime simulation centre, the largest in the UK, where seafarers, officers, pilots superintendents and cadets undertake scenario training in a safe environment, using the latest technology.
“We will use this bridge as part of our GMDSS course, which will enable students to gain firsthand knowledge of how to interact with GMDSS equipment, growing their confidence in effective distress and radio communications at sea,” said Warsash Maritime School director Kunal Anand.
Viasat subsidiary Inmarsat donated the GMDSS bridge to Solent University as part of its strategy to promote maritime safety.
The bridge’s installation was opened at an event at Solent University on 28 March 2024 and Warsash is now offering courses for the General Operators Certificate, which is the highest level GDMSS radio operator qualification for professional mariners.
“This donation reflects our commitment to promoting maritime safety at every level – not only through our work with GMDSS and our safety-focused connectivity services, but also through seafarer education and training,” said Inmarsat director of maritime safety John Dodd.
“While conventional training will help [seafarers’] learning, retention of that knowledge is greatly improved if they can practise it in a simulated environment.”
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