31.05.2002

Port of London Signs Pilotage Simulator Contract

A contract to supply a ship-manoeuvring simulator for the enhancement of marine pilot training has been signed by the Port of London Authority (PLA) with the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN).

Awarded against keen international competition, MARIN was considered to offer a simulator package that most closely answers the PLA's operational need, both in regard to the accuracy and credibility of its ship modelling as required in marine pilot training role.

To be installed at the PLA’s operational centre at Gravesend, the simulator will consist of complete bridge, equipped with six visual channels, radar, ECDIS and all relevant controls and instruments, as well as an instructor station and separate debriefer & modelling station. With a lead-time of seven months, MARIN and the PLA will continue to co-operate in the compilation of the database, installation and final design of the simulator layout.

A number of PLA pilots are currently being trained at the MARIN simulator centre in Wageningen in the Netherlands. Once commissioned, the PLA intends to make simulator training a central part of the training of all PLA Pilots, which will better equip the Authority to comply comprehensively with the requirements of the Port Marine Code as it applies to pilotage and pilot training.

More information from:-