Immersive Training

Immersive technologies, such as Virtual Reality, have become much more affordable and accessible in the last few years. Their best well-known application may relate to enhancing gaming experiences, but they are now also emerging as a new training tool for seafarers.

Unreal Realities

Immersive technologies are generally categorised as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) with everything in between classed as Mixed Reality (MR).

VR is a completely digital world – an interactive computer-generated experience in a simulated environment.

AR is where the digital world overlaps the real world. An example is ‘Pokémon Go’ where, through a smartphone, the image of the real world has digital images superimposed to make it look like real life.

The use of virtual and augmented realities for training is gathering pace in many sectors, but would it work for the maritime sector?

Virtual Reality Training

The challenge with any form of training is engagement. This is often linked to how realistic it is. If the trainee doesn’t fully engage then there is less chance of that individual retaining much of the course content, regardless of the subject matter. However training which uses immersive technology is proven to increase knowledge retention.

VR’s immersive experience claims to engage a participant’s auditory, visual and other senses. It mimics the real world and can safely push operational boundaries to crisis point.

One such technology provider is v360marine and they claim that using immersive technology in training is proven to increase knowledge retention. They provide vessels with a complete VR kit which is pre-loaded with a specific training programme. Examples include:

• Enclosed space entry training: VR sets can add realism to the scenario and allow remote monitoring to ensure that the crew are following safe practices and procedures. The experience can be heightened by having another remote participant introducing commercial pressure and adding additional hazards.
• Crane operations: The offshore industry is already using VR for remote training and re-familiarisation for crane operators. This avoids the need for extensive travel to training centres.
• Fire training: A virtual replication of the vessel allows for various firefighting scenarios that can be modified mid-exercise to further challenge the trainee.

The use of VR training is being used by some companies that do not have the resources to develop their own ship simulators. They are attracted by the flexibility of use that VR brings and how a trainer or supervisor ashore can participate in real time, providing support and feedback.

Going Mobile

Although VR sets are becoming increasingly more affordable and are widely available in most electrical stores, there is another way to spread VR to a wider audience – using a smartphone.

SeaBot XR turns a person’s smartphone into a VR set by providing learning applications and a cardboard box headset.  

Their ship familiarisation training application provides new crew with the layout of the ship prior to joining. For example, an engineer can download the layout of the engine room on their smartphone which is then placed into the VR headset. This allows the engine room to be explored and a series of tasks can be set.

Augmented Reality

A particular application of AR is allowing crew to locate piping, systems or points of interest without removing panels or floorplates etc.

This is used extensively for familiarisation training where systems can be physically traced on the vessel. Procedures and instructions are called upon through the digital interface making fault finding safer and simpler.

Becoming Immersed

Effective training that stays with the trainee is an ongoing challenge for the industry. Ship simulators have already proved effective in helping to provide realistic and engaging training, but they remain out of reach for some. The flexibility afforded by VR sets combined with the gamification of learning could prove to be a useful additional training method. 

Author: Mark Smith
Executive (Loss Prevention)