Norcontrol IT Launches New System for Training

Norcontrol IT has launched a new system designed for training new Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators and providing refresher training. Developed by the NCIT Academy the VTS Operator Console (VOC) eLearning course is an interactive, web-based eLearning system for training operators of the Norcontrol IT VTS Operator Workstation and next generation VTS Database application (VDB).

With many VTS operations relying on relatively few workstations – that are in use 24/7 – the training of new operators often means purchasing a whole new dedicated training workstation. Such a solution is impractical, expensive, and now thanks to the NCIT Academy, unnecessary. Both the VOC and VDB courses are compatible with most normal PC’s. "The beauty of this type of training is that it can be conducted anywhere you can plug in a computer," says Todd Schuett, the NCIT Academy training consultant. "All you need is a CD-ROM drive or Internet access."

The VOC eLearning course provides a guided, interactive environment that simulates what a VTS operator will see and do when using the VTS Operator Workstation. Likewise, the VDB eLearning provides a guided interactive environment that mirrors the appearance and functionality of the actual VDB. Trainees can also test their skills in a scored evaluation of each exercise. Both courses were developed using the eLearning design tool XHLP.

Untutored training is a new concept in VTS. "The danger with eLearning is in teaching and reinforcing mistakes," says Schuett. "With our program, we ’ve negated that danger. It’s not possible to proceed when you’re doing something wrong. And you don’t have to worry about messing up the actual VTS software while you’re learning."