Kongsberg Reports on European Simulator User Conference

The Kongsberg Maritime Simulator User Conference (UC 2013), which took place in Svendborg, Denmark September 24-26, brought together many of the leading organizations in maritime and offshore training. UC 2013 is an annual event, designed as a platform for the discussion and development of simulation technology within all areas of maritime training, with this year’s conference leading on the theme: World Class Simulation – through people, technology and dedication.

UC 2013 was co-hosted by Maersk Training, Svendborg and SIMAC (Svendborg International Maritime Academy), with excursions to both facilities during the conference to give the 160 delegates from all over Europe an insight into the use of Kongsberg Maritime simulators at two internationally recognized training facilities. Emphasis at Kongsberg Maritime Simulator User Conferences is always on collaboration and sharing, so in addition to the tours, Kongsberg Maritime customers featured heavily in the conference sessions.

Session highlights included presentations on learning methods and simulation solutions for obtaining peak performance from students and crews. Maritime Education Trends by Stein Eriksen from the Norwegian Ship Owners Association looked at the approach to training his organization takes for Offshore Service Vessels, Complex Integrated Marine Operations and operating in the High North. Demonstrating the diverse nature of the papers on offer, a presentation on Pedagogical Aspects of Simulator Training by Johan Magnusson looked at the deeper teacher and student aspects of the use of simulators in training.

With the majority of its European customers all under one roof, Kongsberg Maritime and development partners also provided several papers on simulator technology development. These included a review of Offshore Integrated Simulator Solutions development by Søren Einar Veierland (Business Manager) and Geir Lilje (Product Manager), and Leif Halvorsen’s (Product Manager) Engine Room Simulator presentation that introduced new models for the offshore industry. Norvald Kjerstad (Professor in Nautical Science, Aalesund University College) also presented a paper on simulation’s role in Ice-Navigation, while Stephen Cross (Capt., Director of Projects, Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz) showed delegates Kongsberg Maritime’s new Oil Spill Response Module for the Polaris navigation simulator.

“This year’s UC was very well attended and feedback from delegates so far confirms the value and importance of the event for the maritime and offshore training community in Europe,” commented Anne Voith, Marketing Coordinator, Kongsberg Maritime. “Though the co-host tours with Maersk Training and SIMAC, and the many papers presented are in the spotlight, attendees also see our UC as a place to meet and share experiences with like-minded professionals.”

She continued, “This made the sessions lively and interactive, whilst the evening social events were not only enjoyed by all, but professionally valuable too. The European UC comes to Britain in 2014 and we are looking forward to bringing the community together once more.”