Eric Larsson (standing), Director of Maritime Education, and SCI’s President & Executive Director, the Rev. David M. Rider (L), sign the contract for the first phase of SCI’s Houston simulator upgrades with Kongsberg Maritime, represented by Area Sales Manager Henry Tremblay (R).
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) signed a contract to purchase new equipment for its Center for Maritime Education in Houston, Texas, initiating a multiphase upgrade to SCI’s simulator technology located in one of the largest petrochemical complexes in the world. The upgrades introduce a path for future groundbreaking safety and security training.
The first phase of SCI’s technology improvement places the Houston simulator on par with upgrades installed in 2009 at SCI’s Center for Maritime Education in Paducah, Ky. The equipment enhances SCI’s safety and security training, positioning the Institute to conduct the most sophisticated and adaptable simulation training available.
Last week, SCI’s Board of Trustees authorized the first phase of upgrades to SCI’s Houston facility, noting its central role in fulfilling SCI’s education mission.
“This starts the ball rolling,” said Eric Larsson, Director of SCI’s Center for Maritime Education. “With this technology upgrade, SCI can plan innovative teaching exercises.” According to Larsson, subsequent upgrades to the technology will enable SCI’s computers to simulate exercises in emergency preparedness, including environmental disasters and maritime security drills. Initial installation of new equipment takes place later this year during a window of opportunity in SCI’s training schedule.