South Tyneside Holds `Simulator Week'
South Tyneside College has held its first-ever 'train the trainer' Kongsberg Polaris simulator week to share knowledge with other operators around the world. Cork Institute and pilots from Cork and the Tees visited the college last week to take part in the training, which included practical simulator sessions and hundreds of insider tips and advice collected over the past ten years of Polaris simulation use. "As the simulation marketplace becomes increasingly crowded - with shipping companies, consultants and even simulator manufacturers conducting their own training courses - we are finding that we are constantly asked by others in the industry for information on how to run a successful simulation," said Chris Thompson, head of the marine simulation ports and harbors department at South Tyneside College. "We therefore felt it would be useful to hold a dedicated 'simulator week' to share tips and advice. "Although anyone can run a simulation with the correct training, there are hundreds of nuances, which we've developed over many years, to make the experience as realistic as possible. For example, ensuring that external visuals are aligned properly or providing realistic Port Authority announcements can make a big difference in how lifelike the simulation feels. We are
Chris Thompson, Head of Department at South Tyneside College, second right, in one of the bridge simulators with, from left, Cormack Mac Sweeney, lecturer at the National Maritime College, Cork, John Williams of Tee Kay Shipping, Richard Holt,Tees pilot, Rod Cooke, lecturer at the National Maritime College, Cork, Charlie Nash, Port of Cork pilot, Colin Pratt, Tees pilot, and Peter Walter, lecturer at the National Maritime College, Cork.
looking to share this type of knowledge and best practice to help the industry achieve the highest possible standards in marine simulation training," he said.
SCI Celebrates 175 This year the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) celebrates 175 years of service to the maritime community. From SCI's early days as a small, grassroots mission of the Episcopal Church, it has grown to be one of the largest and most comprehensive mariner's agency in North America. "The organization remains committed to its mission and continued work on behalf of mariners," said John McGrath, Senior Development Officer at SCI. "As the industry grows and changes, so will the need for SCI's work and presence." "The actual work of the mariner is stressful and dangerous," says the Rev. David M. Rider, President and Executive Director of SCI, "and it is compounded by unpredictable weather conditions and long journeys across sometimes pirate-infested waters. Our programs of chaplaincy-to minister to the mariner's soul; educationto minister to their professional advancement; and advocacy-to minister to their dignity as human beings, are focused on strengthening the maritime workforce that oftentimes goes unrecognized," says Rider. As part of the Anniversary celebration, SCI recognizes President Franklin D. Roosevelt's work and relationship with the Institute from 1908 to 1945. This program, scheduled for April 21, 2009, is cosponsored by the South Street Seaport Museum and presented in partnership with the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY. www.seamenschurch.org
MMA to Host Maritime Education Summit
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is scheduled to host a Maritime Education Summit April 15 -17, 2009. The Maritime Education Summit is designed to promote discussion and networking among maritime educators and administrators, industry leaders, and regulatory personnel. As maritime academies prepare the next generation of maritime professionals for careers at sea and ashore, there are many critical issues to consider in charting a course for the future. This conference will seek to address the most important of these issues. The Summit will also convene a Maritime Workforce Panel led by representatives from major maritime corporations and from the national shipping unions. Breakout sessions will follow focused tracks on maritime training, strategy and administration, and general education. Specific topics scheduled for presentation include the critical, current-day issues of piracy, port security and emergency response. Participants in the conference will also be given the opportunity for a first-hand view of the Academy's Advanced Shiphandling in Manned Models training program. The Maritime Education Summit will run concurrently with the spring meeting of the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC).
Email educationsummitinfo@maritime.edu
Secure your future
with Military Sealift Command
You're an experienced mariner and a skilled engineer. Now, it's time to get the pay and recognition you deserve. With Military Sealift Command, you'll have the chance to serve your country and put your skills to the test. As a civil service mariner, you'll have job security that's quite a rarity these days. And you'll be able to go as far as your ambition and motivation can take you.
Engineering opportunities available. Learn more at
Kongsberg Signs Agreement with Norwegian University
Kongsberg Maritime signed a five-year research and education agreement with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) on February 3, 2009, an agreement based on sponsorship of one professorMarch 2009
sealiftcommand.com
www.marinelink.com
MSC is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.
27