Ultratug employs more simulators to train tug crews

Ultratug has increased its tugboat crew training using simulators in South American countries as it invests in new a vessel.

The Santiago, Chile-headquartered owner is enhancing towage capabilities and safety by expanding its training programme, using various tugboat and full-mission bridge simulators.

These tugboat simulators are designed to represent a wheelhouse on an azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug that is a popular type operating across ports in South America. They have a master chair and two workstations with propulsion controls, four worktop monitors for displaying navigational and operational information, and radios for communications.

“We continuously enhance the training of our captains through advanced ASD simulator sessions that recreate real-life scenarios involving highly complex manoeuvres,” said Ultratug in a social media post.

“This type of training helps refine decision-making in critical conditions, enables the rehearsal of procedures in controlled environments, and significantly reduces operational risks.”

Bridge simulators are used by pilots and tug masters to practise transit and shiphandling in different harbours. They have various controls, radio and displays for radar, conning, ECDIS and vessel automation and engineroom information.

“Thanks to this ongoing training, we ensure safer, more efficient, and more reliable operations, supported by highly qualified teams aligned with the highest standards of the maritime industry,” said Ultratug.