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