Pilots Train

GRL launches ROVolution 4.0

General Robotics Limited (GRL), introduced Version 4.0 of it ROVolution ROV pilot training and mission planning simulator that uses real-time dynamic and hydrodynamic modelling to give pilots a highly realistic experience of subsea operations. ROVolution now includes a comprehensive Pilot Training Metrics module to improve the measurability and consistency of pilot training and assessment. An instructor can use the built-in tools to give him an objective measure of key pilot competencies like the time taken to complete a task, how much the pilot varied from a designated survey path, what force was put on the tether, and how much tether was paid out compared to the distance from the TMS. Pilot Metrics is valuable as part of a structured training course and is useful to identify where additional training is needed. Pilots themselves can use the system for self assessment and evaluate their own progress over time as part of their continuing professional development.   The system also provides the ability to rapidly assess the skills of contract pilots and their ability to perform a particular job, and subsea companies have shown considerable interest here. Operators can run a particular job configuration and get a measure of individual pilots’ speed, accuracy and ability to cope with difficulties like strong currents or poor visibility

This Day in Naval History - March 02

From the Navy News Service:   1859 - The first Navy ship built on the West Coast of the United States, Saginaw, is launched at Mare Island, Calif. 1867 - The Navy Civil Engineering Corps is established. 1899 - An act of Congress creates the rank "Admiral of the Navy" for George Dewey. 1973 - Women begin pilot training in the Navy.   For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil

Brisbane Marine Pilots Train at MSI-Newport

Stephen Cummings and David Harris of the Brisbane Marine Pilots attended an Emergency Shiphandling course conducted September 13-17, 2004, at MarineSafety International's simulator training complex in Newport, RI. Topics covered included ship maneuvering in narrow channels and docking operations in tight quarters under difficult circumstances of wind and current. The pilots were also able to practice procedures for employing escort tugs using a computer model of the port of Brisbane

Long Beach Pilots Train at MSI

Captain Tom Jacobsen, President of Jacobsen Pilot Services, Inc., a long-time provider of pilotage for the Port of Long Beach, announced that Long Beach Pilots would be attending a training course at MarineSafety International (MSI) in San Diego. The four-day course is designed to combine an opportunity for the Pilots to review the principles of Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and to sharpen their skills in working with new types of tugs an advanced towing strategies.

Investigation Reveals Queensland Pilotage Safety Concerns

Systemic safety issues in Queensland coastal pilotage operations have been identified in an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report. Coastal pilots form a key defence against a serious shipping incident in parts of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait as part of a suite of broader protective measures already in place. The ATSB began an investigation into coastal pilotage operations in December 2010 following the release of its report into the grounding of the

ROVsim Pro Chosen By New ROV Training Facility

Marine Simulation LLC recently teamed with Cabaco Marine Pte Ltd to sell two ROVsim Pro training systems to Seahorse Services Co. Ltd. to be used in their new ROV pilot training facility in Vung Tao, Vietnam.  ROVsim Pro is a physics accurate, visually realistic and highly configurable Remotely Operated (submerged) Vehicle (ROV) simulator intended for undersea and marine professionals.  By implementing the very latest technologies for real-time 3D visualization

New generation Transas simulator for Broome Maritime Simulation Centre

Kimberley TAFE Broome Maritime Simulation Centre has extended its range of services by selecting a Transas Full Mission Transas Simulator. The Transas Marine will upgrade the existing simulation centre to provide one of the most advanced marine trainings and R&D tools in the Australia. The simulation suite includes a main bridge and a tug station for a new port development, training of pilots and tug masters.

McAllister Trains at MSI Newport

McAllister Docking Pilots and Tug Operators attended a two-day Tractor Tug Operations training course October 8-9, 2004 at MSI's Newport Simulator Center. The class focused on the capabilities and limitations of Azimuthing Stern Drive Tugs and Voith-Schneider Propulsion. The training was split between classroom and simulator time; interactive simulators were used to reinforce the learning points. The principle instructor for the course was Captain Vic Schisler

New Model LNG Carrier at Port Revel

In 2009, Sogreah, a firm of consulting engineers working in the fields of water, energy and the environment, launched the Otello, a 1:25 scale model of one of the world’s largest container carriers. This event was part of the celebrations to mark the extension of its shiphandling training center, Port Revel. On March 29, to open the 2010 season, Sogreah will launch the latest addition to its fleet, the Q-Max, a faithful reproduction of a 1

Houston Pilots Accept 45 ft. Fresh Water Draft

Effective immediately, the Houston Pilots will accept vessels with drafts up to 45 ft. (13.7 m) in fresh water. In the wake of the crisis along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Houston Pilots are foregoing a previously scheduled phased-in approach to larger vessels, as the maritime industry needs to divert many deep draft loaded vessels from ports affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Houston Pilots are comprised of 81 pilots; including two deputy pilots still in training.