Kongsberg Digital AS has cemented its long-standing position as the primary supplier of simulation software and hardware to the Australian Maritime College (AMC), with the recent confirmation of a new Long-Term System Support Program (LTSSP).

Kongsberg Digital Area Sales Manager Paul Gilkison and AMC principal Michael van Balen signed the agreement – the third successive five-year contract between the two parties – on Thursday, August 8 at the AMC’s Newnham campus in Launceston.

Kongsberg Digital simulators are the platform of choice at the AMC’s world-class Centre for Maritime Simulations; and as Mr. van Balen explains, the continuing relationship with KONGSBERG provides stability in AMC’s training methodology.

“Simulation is an integral part of our training,” he says. “It gives us the capability to run any number of scenarios in a repeatable fashion, which not only benefits the students but also enables us to learn in the teaching environment as well.”

Mr. Gilkison points out that software is continually subject to improvements over the life of the LTSSP. “This year, we hope to be able to roll out the new K-Sim Navigation platform for the AMC, which will provide more offshore simulation scenarios as well as handle traditional ship navigation training.”

Damien Freeman from the AMC’s Centre for Maritime Simulations says K-Sim Navigation represents a groundbreaking move into next-generation platform functionality, including virtual reality interactions (VRI). “K-Sim Navigation is based on a cutting-edge technology platform and will enable more realistic training scenarios and enhanced user benefits for both instructors and students,” he explains. It also enables all AMC simulators to be integrated seamlessly to enable common exercise for full crew resource management training.

AMC’s Maritime Simulation Centre features a full mission ship’s bridge simulator, two 360° tug simulators, a full mission engine room, an advanced dynamic positioning bridge simulator, six basic dynamic positioning simulators, six ship operations cubicles and an 18-seat electronic chart display laboratory.

The simulation facilities bridge the gap between practice and theory and are used for research into port development, ship maneuvering, improving ship and port safety, training seafarers and teaching undergraduates.

Visit Kongsberg’s website for the company’s official statement.