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Testing proof of concept of SEAMAN Online - new paper
Together with Chalmers University of Technology, SSPA has completed a study testing proof of concept of SEAMAN Online™ with students. SEAMAN Online is a novel web-based ship manoeuvring training tool allowing students and professional mariners to practice manoeuvres in ports and confined waters from their personal computers.
To have access to simulation-based training gives students and professional mariners the advantage of safely practicing manoeuvres in ports and confined waters. Currently, virtually all real-time ship manoeuvring simulations are confined to static environments such as desktop or full-mission (3D) simulators.
By using a web-based tool that requires only an internet connection and a personal computer, the users can get access to training in a convenient way. It has benefits such as high availability for bulk training of students taking e.g., a course in vessel manoeuvring. It can also benefit professional bridge officers or pilots with their needs for flexible training in specific situations.
SSPA and Chalmers are collaborating organizations
The division of Maritime Studies at Chalmers has for over a decade been using an older version of SSPA’s simulation software on stationary desktop computers. When SSPA began to ideate SEAMAN Online, SSPA and the maritime simulation instructors at Chalmers came into contact to implement it as an additional resource and a replacement of the older software for student education in a course within the Master Mariner programme.
- “The paper describes the first implementation of this simulation tool in the context of a university course and I recently presented it at the third Ergoship conference, on Maritime Human Factors, says Ph.D. Nicole Costa, researcher and Project Manager at SSPA.
The paper is public and can be downloaded from: www.hvl.no/en/about/marcatch/ergoship-conference-papers
Title: Testing Proof of Concept of a Web-Based Ship Manoeuvring Training Tool in the Classroom
Authors: N. A. Costa, F. Olsson, J. Algell (SSPA), R. Weber (Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology).
Abstract: Currently, real-time ship manoeuvring simulations are confined to static environments e.g., desktop/full-mission bridge simulators. Seaman Online™ is a novel web-based ship manoeuvring training tool allowing students and professional mariners to practice manoeuvres in ports and confined waters from their personal computers. This paper describes the tool’s first-time implementation in a Master Mariner university programme. The students were asked to complete a post-questionnaire regarding their use experience and the results were discussed between the course instructors and the tool-providing organization at two debriefings. The aim was to obtain feedback about (a) the usefulness of the tool in manoeuvring training; (b) further design improvements and usability; and (c) how to best incorporate it into the programme curriculum in coming academic years for improved user experience. Results revealed usability and maturity issues and the need for further guidance on simulation-based training objectives and limitations. Overall, the tool’s usefulness and potential in individual manoeuvring training were demonstrated.
Photo and Illustration
Ph.D. Nicole Costa presents the new paper at Ergoship2019 in Norway. Photo: Johan Algell, SSPA.
SEAMAN Online is a novel web-based ship manoeuvring training tool allowing students and professional mariners to practice manoeuvres in ports and confined waters from their personal computers. Illustration: SSPA
Manoeuvring and seakeeping simulations, and the importance of high-quality data
Simulations are an efficient tool for gaining valuable insights for decision-making. To perform high-quality ship simulations, high-quality input data is required. Without good input data, the output from the simulations will not be a reliable source of support for decision-making. Thanks to SSPA’s test facilities, and the development and use of CFD, we have access to extremely good data which supports the simulation models in the SEAMAN Simulation toolbox.
Simulations are an efficient tool for gaining valuable insights for decision-making
Knowing how a vessel will behave in certain conditions can help answer many questions, for example; What is the operational window for ship-to-ship transfer?, What size and number of tugs are needed for safe berthing? Will the vessel roll heavily in the forecasted weather? In what conditions can the ship be safely moored? What engine power is required to be on schedule 98% of the time? One way to address these types of questions is to use advanced simulations.