College simulator targets Arctic boat training

A centre in Cork is aiming to become a global leader in training people operating small boats to cope with treacherous conditions in Arctic seas.

Michael Delaney, acting head of the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), said that the college is developing new simulation technology, similar to its ship’s bridge simulators, which will train “small-craft mariners” who work in extremely challenging Arctic conditions.

Exploration in the region is set to expand rapidly in the coming years as the ice retreats and it’s opened up to extra shipping, fishing, exploration and leisure boat activities.

“There are going to be more and more boats operating in these extreme environments. It would be very expensive to train people in these areas, so it is better to train them what to expect before they actually go there,” Mr Delaney said.

He said that while regulated training is widely available for large vessel crews, this is not the case for small craft mariners who find it generally difficult to access Arctic-specific training.

The Small Craft Emergency Response and Survival Training for Arctic Conditions project aims to fill this gap by developing a safety and emergency response training programme specifically focused on the needs of small craft mariners.

Virtual Marine Technology based in Canada and the NMCI are cooperating on the venture, along with other organisations such as Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), Chalmers University in Sweden and search and rescue centres in Sweden and Norway.

NMCI has acquired Arctic footage from the Canadians and has computerised it. Engineers at CIT will build controls for what are described as “high end” life-sized simulators.

NMCI intends to use their simulators for training courses in Ringaskiddy, but in time will also make the technology available to other training centres at a charge.

NMCI has already 17 ships bridge simulators of varying sizes at the Ringaskiddy centre, some of which offer 360 degree viewing.

“We are delighted to be working with Virtual Marine Technology in the development of new and innovative simulation technologies the use of which continues to place the NMCI at the cutting edge as regards the use of simulation as an education and training tool,” Mr Delaney said.

The programme is funded under the EU Northern Periphery Programme (www.northernperiphery.eu) and supported by the European Regional Development Fund.