GMDSS Simulator-Maritime Training Center, NKUST

GMDSS Simulator

The Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) simulator can help trainees understand how to operate marine search and rescue devices, by Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and radar SARTs, in maritime distress. The simulator can accommodate 16 trainees for concurrent operations, to improve safety of life at sea. The simulator with upgraded functions was accepted on December 24, 2001.

IMO stressed the importance of use of simulators in training in several parts of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 78/95). The GMDSS simulator provided by a Taiwan vendor Dynasafe can successfully simulate the communication function between ships and between ships and coast stations, and provide an excellent 1:16 training capacity. It can be used as a basis for maritime training and evaluation.

The simulator was accepted at MSTC of NKUST, on May 23, 2003 and has been certified according to Standard for Certification of Maritime Simulator System. As a Class A GMDSS simulator, it can fully simulate the GMDSS communication environment on ship during navigation. It provides a well-functional radio communication simulator with two genuine GMDSSs and 1:16 operation simulators.

GMDSS simulator

The GMDSS simulator consists of 16 trainee workstations, one trainer workstation, two genuine GMDSSs, briefing section, and classroom. The figure on the right shows the operation environment of the 16 trainee workstations. The software is developed and provided by a simulator company, POSEIDON. It provides smooth operations and many enough functions according to actual needs. All functions of the system can fully present the environment of radio communications.

Trainer workstation

The trainer workstation provides a place for a trainer to control all operation processes, including instructing various simulation scenarios, monitoring operations on trainee workstations, and handling and instructing emergencies. In addition, communications between the trainer and trainees and between trainees are enabled by a voice control system, so as to simulate communications between ships and between ships and coast stations.

GMDSS, marine safety and survival equipment, and radar

The simulator consists of two genuine GMDSSs, to allow trainees to learn real GMDSS operations and improve their abilities to act according to circumstances and emergency response.

All types of marine safety and survival equipment are provided in the classroom for teaching, such as SART and EPIRB, as shown in the figure on the right.

A genuine radar is also installed in the classroom, which can run properly and scan the whole area of Port of Kaohsiung. The trainer can also actually benefit from the radar in teaching.

GMDSS briefing room

The GMDSS briefing room can accommodate up to 30 trainees. Trainees can not only simulate various radio communication operations with the software on PCs, but also simulate communications between ships and between ships and coast stations through the voice management system, to improve their radio communication capabilities.

Data room and GMDSS classroom

Data room is a space for keeping relevant books, including list of maritime radio stations worldwide, log books, and other teaching materials.

The GMDSS classroom can accommodate up to 30 trainees, and provides a tidy and comfortable environment. Operations can be projected onto the screen with a HD projector, to improve teaching performance. Taking class or training in an environment with such advanced technologies will help trainees greatly improve their knowledge and skills.