The simulator

This modern Simulation facility has enormous potential and is suitable for many maritime and corporate training scenarios. With extensive in-house expertise and drawing on the resources of other University Departments, Lairdside Maritime Centre is uniquely placed to tailor training directly to a Clients needs as well as offering MCA Approved Courses.

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Ship-handling training is an important part of the Centres work, from the introduction and practice of underpinning knowledge to detailed practice on specific ship-type training including Passenger Vessels, Container Ships and Offshore Support Craft.
Providing Pilotage Training facilities maximises the potential of the Simulator. Using specialist 3D generating hardware, realistic and highly detailed all-round views of locks and quaysides are achieved.

Tug control and escort towage training allows difficult docking and undocking operations to be researched, tested, procedures evaluated and practised in varying weather conditions.

Where bridge-wing navigation is required, such as during replenishment at sea, or working in close proximity with other vessels, specialist software is used to recreate key visual references such as ship-to-ship distance lines. This allows the navigator to manoeuvre his ship precisely in very realistic and demanding conditions.

A comprehensive quadraphonic sound system within each bridge allows the scene to be set for restricted visibility navigation. Such details allow for a realistic response by navigators.

The performance of personnel operating within a simulation exercise is particularly important in Bridge Team or Resource Management Courses. Many course exercises introduce 'stress levels' which stretch delegates to the utmost of their ability. All bridges are monitored and recorded during exercises for enhanced debriefing.

The Kongsberg Norcontrol Simulators are constructed with Det Norsk Veritas accreditation to facilitate STCW95 training. Specific training courses are approved to Flag State standard. With such approval ship-owners and operators are given the confidence and security that the equipment and standards provided by the facility are of the highest level.

For non-professional courses ship bridges are simplified to allow non-mariners to experience the pressures and stresses of large ship navigation in a realistic yet safe environment. This use of simulation develops strong interpersonal working skills resulting in highly effective and motivated teams.

Research into Maritime Accidents and Insurance Claim investigation as well as the impact of Civil Engineering projects on the marine environment, are areas where the facility is also used.