Learning Tool News

Ocean engineering researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a smart system to combat collisions between ships and stationary structures such as offshore platforms. By combining raw radar imaging data with advanced machine learning, the researchers have created SMART-SEA, a system that gives seafarers real-time guidance on how and when to maneuver their vessel.SMART-SEA can detect stationary objects in all weather conditions, and seafarers can choose how to receive the data — either visually…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform -- among many industries -- the marine insurance sector, presenting both significant opportunities and pressing challenges, a message delivered at the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) annual conference in Singapore.Speaking at the Innovation & Technology Workshop, Rahul Khanna, Chair of IUMI’s Data & Digitalization Forum, emphasised the rapid pace of technological change: “AI in our sector is moving extremely rapidly. Last year has seen as much meaningful improvement in AI application than we saw in the last five years combined.

As shipping activity in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans increases with reductions in sea ice because of climate change, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is working to improve the safety of vessel operations and decrease the environmental impacts of shipping.In collaboration with Memorial University, the NRC through its Ocean program has created a computer modelling tool to aid in planning safe and efficient routes for Arctic voyages. And they have also developed a novel "sand box" environment to test the possible impacts of changes to shipping policies.Dr.

The more than half decade that has passed since the inception of the subchapter M towboat rule affords an up-close-and-personal look at how it is going. The scorecard is a mixed bag.More than six years ago, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) began inspecting towing vessels for compliance with the new towboat rules; specifically, 46 CFR Subchapter M. It has been a long road to compliance with many starts and stops, and much learning on both sides of the law.Has it been a success? If success is measured by Certificates of Inspection, then yes.

In 2001, George Burkley, a maritime educator, wrote a look-ahead article for Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, presenting the benefits and real-world payoffs from using simulators in maritime education. In the late 1990s, new tech and software advances were creating scenario programs that moved a student closer and closer to the realities demanded by, well, reality. “The future is here, and we are ready to simulate it,” Burkley concluded.Burkley is now executive director at the Maritime Pilots Institute in Covington, La.

VIKING Safety Academy has addressed a fast-emerging seafarer training issue brought by coronavirus by delivering a unique e-learning tool that can keep seafarers STCW-compliant until restrictions on movement and social interactions come to an end.With many countries in lockdown, face to face seafarer training is also being suspended and some flag administrations have responded by granting automatic three-month extensions to the STCW Certificates seafarers must update every five years.

The global marine and offshore vessel management and support services provider V.Group said that its V.Ships Leisure unit has been awarded a contract by Antarctica21 for the technical management of the expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer.The 100-guest Magellan Explorer is currently under construction at Asenav in Chile and due to be delivered in October 2019, the ship management company company said.The vessel, which is being built to the new polar code and is uniquely customised for fly-cruises in Antarctica, will join Antarctica21’s fleet as the first newbuild for the Chile-based cruise brand, with their current fleet on charter agreements.Antarctica21’s President and Chairman Jaime Vásquez stated…

NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower is teaming up with the oldest merchant marine academy in the country to deliver a world class training program before a majority of the new NYC Ferry vessels even arrive in New York Harbor. SUNY Maritime College was founded in 1874 as the New York Nautical School, the first school in the nation devoted to training merchant mariners. As part of this new collaboration between NYC Ferry and SUNY Maritime, future captains and crew will have access to SUNY Maritime’s top notch classroom facilities and experienced maritime faculty.

Delgado’s Simulator Suite is comprised of three interactive Full Mission Bridge simulators. Simulators are used for Wheelhouse Proficiency Management classes to provide scenarios on navigating waterways on different types of vessels. Simulators can be programmed to run three vessels at the same time, so that students in all three wheel houses can communicate and interact with each other. Both conventional and Z-Drive controls can be used in the training. In the past 12 months…

The three shipping companies of the Offen Group, CPO Container, CPO Tanker and CPO Bulker, have decided to implement DNV GL’s e-learning course “Energy Efficiency on Board” across their entire fleet. The E-learning tool, developed by DNV GL’s Maritime Academy, enables users to identify potential savings in a simple way and to implement them in ship operation. "As a large modern shipping company, we are always interested in innovative concepts and are constantly working to further extend our high quality standards in all areas," says Dietmar Thiem, Technical Director at CPO Container. The fleet of the Offen Group currently comprises 67 container ships, 8 bulk carriers and 26 tankers.

The Engagementgame developed by TNO in collaboration with partners is the winner of the 'International Media Award for Prevention' in the category Multi Media. This serious game, that trains managers to decrease work related stress and increase work engagement of their workers, is, according to the international jury a powerful learning tool providing a number of possibilities and advantages over traditional teaching and training methods. The Engagementgame is the winner of the 'International Media Award for Prevention' in the category multimedia. Of the 290 submissions from all over the world, the international jury was unanimous in the choice for the Engagementgame, that trains managers to reduce work related stress and work pressure of their workers and increases work engagement.

Three years after its inception, today sees the official launch of an innovative new board game designed to teach young people of all ages about the importance of today’s supply chain in global commerce. The game - Business on the Move - aims to inspire, excite and educate young people from the age of 9 to 19 and beyond. The aim of the game is for players to move different products from China to their U.K. customers by land, sea and air, as quickly, as profitably and as responsibly as they can.

The American P&I Club’s latest e-learning tool module has been released to members. This is the introduction to the American P&I Club’s latest e-learning tool that has been produced by Shipowners Claims Bureau Inc., the managers, in association with IDESS IT, and is aimed to reinforce onboard safety advice. The new module, 'The Case of the Invisible Assassin', focuses on the hazard of entering enclosed spaces on bulk carriers – which represent the largest tranche of vessels entered in the club. The module is a companion to 'The Case of the Silent Assassin', that dealt with enclosed spaces on tank vessels, released in 2011. All the club’s modules are accessible wherever there is an internet connection, or through the shipboard Plug&Pay system.

ANT provides solutions for Superyacht schools of the future in partnership with U-Touch. Advanced New Technologies (ANT) Ltd, one of the world’s leading technology integrators for the Superyacht and luxury home markets, is pioneering education at sea by bringing the very latest in classroom technology to Superyachts in partnership with U-Touch, as well as a collection of other suppliers. With the growing desire for owners to take their young families on life broadening ‘explorer’…

With a sweeping reach and wide ranging application the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) will have a significant impact on shipowners, managers, crewing agencies and most importantly the seafarers on-board. At its entry into force the MLC 2006 will alter some 37 ILO conventions and require the certification of over 55,000 seagoing vessels. Preparing for this sea change will require a massive adjustment. To support the maritime industry in this endeavour Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has developed an easy to use Pocket Guide on the MLC 2006. Alongside GL's E-Learning tool on the Convention the new Pocket Guide is part of a set of tools to make the implementation of the MLC 2006 as smooth, transparent and comprehensible as possible.

As the date of entry into force of the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006) rapidly approaches, shipowners, managers, crewing agencies and seafarers are starting to familiarize themselves with the new requirements. With some 55,000 seagoing vessels requiring certification of compliance and the regulations impacting on every level of an organization, this preparation is a massive task. In response, Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has developed a comprehensive E-Learning tool for the MLC 2006 in CD form, the first such tool covering the convention. Olaf Quas, GL's Global Head of Practice ISM/ISPS/MLC 2006, explains: "We have developed this e-learning tool to help individuals prepare themselves and where the main topics of the MLC 2006 are explained in a few words.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), located in Kings Point, N.Y., strives to produce graduates who have the expertise, as well as the understanding of not only how a ship works, but what it takes to operate and build a ship. An ordinary preparatory program? Not so, as the Academy holds a unique spot in the maritime education and engineering world - they are known as the only learning institution to offer a fully consolidated undergraduate program geared specifically towards shipyard management. MR/EN recently spent the day with various professors involved, as well as members of the program's class of 2000, as they shared their thoughts and views on this premier curriculum. By Regina P. Step back in time to 1995 for a moment.

As head of the United States Merchant Marine Academy's (USMMA), engineering department, Professor Jose Femenia noted 1995 as the year in which the Academy's shipyard management program was loosely formatted. It was through his efforts the program became a reality one year later. Beginning with a focus on ship maintenance and repair, several elective courses had been developed - such as ship maintenance and repair, and shipyard design and operations - but were not yet part of a fully formalized agenda. In turn, these electives led to the birth of the Academy's shipyard management program. This blend of marine engineering, industrial engineering and engineering management…