Australia Creates Permit-Free, Autonomous Marine Tech Test Area
For the first time in Australia, autonomous marine technology developers have a location to safely test autonomous vessels without needing to apply for a permit. The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s ReefWorks inshore test range, near Townsville in north Queensland, was granted regulatory sandbox approval for uncrewed vessels from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).It’s the first approval issued under a proposed Australian Maritime Regulatory Sandbox advocated by Trusted Autonomous Systems (TAS), AIMS and AMC Search.
KOTUG Training, AMC Search ink Partnership
KOTUG Training & Consultancy, the training and consultancy division of KOTUG, and AMC Search, the training and consultancy division of the Australian Maritime College (AMC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. The MoU encompasses exclusive training of (tug) masters, ships’ crews and pilots in Australia by certified KOTUG trainers at AMC’s training facilities in Tasmania.
AMC Extends Simulator Contract with Kongsberg
The Australian Maritime College (AMC) has opted to extend its Long Term Simulator Support Program (LTSSP) with Kongsberg Maritime for a further five years. The LTSSP ensures that all Kongsberg Maritime simulators installed at AMC’s sites in Launceston and Perth are up-to-date and operating optimally. Additionally, the LTSSP provides AMC the opportunity to upgrade to the new K-Sim Navigation technology platform. AMC is one of the largest maritime training organizations in the Southern Hemisphere and is highly regarded for its work in Dynamic Positioning…
AMCS Wins Pacific Patrol Boat Training Contract
The Australian Minister for Defense Materiel Mike Kelly announced the signing of a $21 million four-year contract with AMC Search Ltd to provide Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB) training services. Dr. Kelly said AMC Search Ltd (AMCS) is the commercial arm of the Australian Maritime College, located in Launceston, Tasmania. “The contract is for a range of technical, operational and administration courses for students from the 11 nations participating in the PPB Program,” Dr. Kelly said. “An annual suite of 16 separate training programs are to be delivered in Launceston. “Courses will range in duration from 10 days to 12 weeks and AMCS will also deliver some training in individual countries. “It is anticipated that approximately 140 – 160 students will undertake training each year.
IDPOA Announces 2011 Award Winners
The International Dynamic Positioning Operators Association (IDPOA) has announced the winners of the 2011 International Dynamic Positioning Excellence Awards. “The awards stand testimony to the skill, dedication, effort and commitment of people who strive to be the best," said Steven Jones, Executive Director of IDPOA.
Maritime Simulators for New Australian Maritime College
A Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operator Training Facility, featuring an extensive simulator suite developed by Kongsberg Maritime was opened in Northbridge, Western Australia on November 22, 2010. Owned and run by the Australian Maritime College (AMC), the new facility is ideally positioned to serve the growing Western Australia oil & gas business from its centre in Perth. "Prior to opening our first DP Operator Training Facility in Tasmania last year, which is also based on Kongsberg Maritime DP simulators, Australian trainees would have to travel to Europe or the U.S.
