Training & Education: DCC Offers Inland Towboat Simulator Training

Delgado Community College became the first major marine training school in the United States to join the TRANSERV program. Delgado's Full Mission Bridge Simulator has been fully upgraded with the very latest Navi-Trainer Professional 4000 simulation software and now boasts the latest Transas industry leading visualization capabilities, as well as newly installed training tools for inland towboat and barge operations. As part of their ongoing marine program development, Delgado will also soon offer several new custom training solutions for the offshore industry that build upon the recently completed simulator enhancements that include visual exercises using the areas of Morgan City, Port Fourchon and other Louisiana and Texas waterways. The simulator consists of a comprehensive instructor control and monitoring station, main bridge simulator and debriefing facilities. The main bridge is equipped with the very latest ARPA radar, electronic chart system, real conning controls for a number of different vessel types appropriate for the region, and visualization over a horizon of 240 degrees. As part of the initial installation, a new visual exercise area stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been provided. The full mission simulator adds to Delgado's Transas ARPA/Radar and GMDSS training simulators.

From 2000 - 2003 Delgado has received nearly $12 million from the Louisiana Department of Labor's $50 million Incumbent Worker Grant fund - the largest amount given to a single source/training provider. With valuable input provided by Delgado's Maritime

Advisory Group, specific training programs and state-of-the-art classrooms were designed to meet the needs of their industry. Delgado has trained more than 6,000 employees with these funds to upgrade their skills and enhance economic development for the state. "Delgado's simulator environment was designed with the concept of creating a real life experience for the region's mariners. Delgado's Maritime Advisory Board, the Louisiana Department of Labor and Delgado staff members made a cooperative effort to build a simulator that the marine industry would be excited to use in training their personnel. Through the cooperative efforts of Delgado's Maritime Advisory Board, the Louisiana Department of Labor and Delgado's Community & Workforce Development staff, the simulator project was envisioned as an efficient and exciting method of training for our region. Delgado accomplished its goal; the simulator rocks and rolls - bring Dramamine", stated Rick Schwab, Project Manager of Delgado's Community & Workforce Development. Courses customized for individual maritime companies include Bridge Resource Management, Comprehensive Radar, GMDSS (Global Management Distress and Safety System), ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids), STCW (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping), Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting, Personal Survival, CPR/First Aid, Medical Person-In-Charge, Crowd Management, Forklift Operator, HAZWOPER, Crane Rigging, Crane Operator, Hydraulics, Advanced First Responder, OSHA, Maritime Security, OSV (Offshore Supply Vessel), and Dynamic Positioning.