In the vast expanse of the open sea, where every decision counts and every maneuver carries consequences, safety and efciency are paramount. For maritime crews tasked with navigating these waters, traditional training methods have long been the norm. However, in recent years, a new tool has emerged that promises to revolutionize crew training: virtual reality (VR) technology.
Virtual reality training offers a unique and immersive learning experience that enables maritime crews to simulate real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. From emergency procedures to navigation skills and equipment maintenance, VR training provides an effective way for crew members to hone their skills and enhance their readiness for the challenges they may encounter at sea.
One of the key benefts of VR training is its ability to recreate realistic scenarios that closely mimic the conditions and challenges of maritime operations.
Whether it is navigating through treacherous waters, responding to a fre onboard or conducting a search and rescue mission, VR simulations allow crew members to practice their skills in a dynamic and interactive environment.
The immersive nature of VR training also fosters a deeper level of engagement and retention among crew members. Studies have shown that individuals are more likely to remember information and skills learned in a VR environment compared to traditional methods. This is due in part to the sensory-rich nature of VR experiences, which activate multiple areas of the brain and create lasting impressions.
Moreover, VR training allows for repetitive practice without the risk of real-world consequences. Crew members can repeat scenarios as many times as needed to master skills and procedures, building confdence and muscle memory along the way. This is particularly valuable for high-stakes situations such as frefghting or man-overboard drills, where quick and decisive action can mean the difference between life and death.
In addition to enhancing safety, VR training also offers tangible benefts in terms of efciency and cost-effectiveness. Traditional training methods often require signifcant resources in terms of time, personnel and equipment. On the other hand, VR training can be conducted virtually anywhere, anytime, with minimal setup and logistical requirements. This fexibility allows shipping companies to provide training to crew members more efciently, without disrupting operations or incurring excessive costs.
Furthermore, VR training can be customized to meet the specifc needs and challenges of different vessels, routes and operational environments. Whether it’s simulating a container ship navigating through congested port waters or a cruise ship conducting a passenger evacuation drill, VR technology can adapt to accommodate a wide range of scenarios and objectives.
Another promising aspect of VR training in maritime settings is the potential integration of automatic commentary using artifcial intelligence (AI) technology. With live video or picture feeds incorporated into VR simulations, AI algorithms can analyze the visual content in real-time and provide commentary or instructions in multiple languages. This
feature holds tremendous value for multinational crews, where language barriers may hinder effective communication during training sessions. By automatically translating commentary into the native languages of crew members, AI-driven systems ensure that all participants can fully understand and engage with the training material, regardless of their linguistic background. This not only enhances comprehension but also fosters inclusivity and collaboration among crew members from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ultimately strengthening teamwork and safety standards onboard. As AI continues to advance, its integration into VR training platforms has the potential to revolutionize maritime education and promote global standardization in safety and operational procedures.
Despite its many advantages, VR training is not without its challenges. One of the main obstacles is ensuring reliable and stable connectivity at sea to support training sessions conducted in areas with limited or no signal coverage. In remote or enclosed spaces such as engine rooms, lower decks or cargo holds, thick walls or machinery interference can
disrupt wireless signals, impacting the immersive experience of VR training.
To address this challenge, shipping companies are exploring innovative solutions to extend connectivity to all areas of the vessel, regardless of signal strength. This may involve deploying signal boosters, access points or repeaters to amplify wireless signals in remote or enclosed spaces. Additionally, companies may invest in ruggedized hardware and equipment that can withstand harsh maritime environments while maintaining connectivity.
Furthermore, leveraging hybrid connectivity solutions that combine satellite, cellular and terrestrial networks can help ensure continuous coverage across the entire vessel.
By seamlessly switching between different network sources based on signal availability and bandwidth requirements, crew members can access VR training content wherever they are onboard, without experiencing disruptions or degradation in performance.
Ultimately, reliable and stable connectivity is not just a convenience but a necessity for enabling smooth and effective VR training experiences for maritime crews. As the maritime industry continues to embrace digitalization and technology-driven solutions, ensuring ubiquitous connectivity onboard vessels will be essential for maximizing the benefts of VR
training and enhancing safety, efciency and overall performance at sea.
In addition to overcoming connectivity challenges, VR training also offers the advantage of making learning more engaging and enjoyable for crew members. With VR technology, seafarers may be excited by the use of modern gadgets and feel like they are participating in a game rather than a potentially boring classroom or instructor-led training session.
This sense of excitement and immersion may motivate crew members to take ownership of their training and actively seek out opportunities to improve their skills and understanding, ultimately leading to better results and performance at sea. In conclusion, as the maritime industry continues to evolve in the digital age, the profession of seafaring faces numerous challenges. Among these challenges is the difculty in fnding skilled crew members who are adept at utilizing digital technology to its fullest potential.
Therefore, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritize comprehensive and effective training for both existing crew members and newcomers entering the maritime workforce. By embracing innovative tools such as virtual reality training and leveraging advancements in AI technology, shipping companies can ensure that their crews are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate modern challenges at sea safely and efficiently. Moreover, amidst ongoing discussions about the potential impact of AI and technology on job security, implementing training methods that focus on upskilling and empowering crew members to adapt to technological advancements may serve as a proactive approach to mitigate concerns about job loss. Ultimately, by investing in continuous education and training, the maritime industry can uphold its commitment to safety, efciency, and the well-being of seafarers around the globe.
By Katerina Raptaki*
*Katerina Raptaki holds a leading position in the ICT department of Navios Group, a global leader in seaborne shipping with over 200 vessels and a presence in
major cities worldwide. She’s a Naval/Mechanical Engineering graduate from the National Technical University of Athens with 35 years of experience in IT and
Communications, including 23 years in Shipping. Katerina’s expertise spans Marine Satellite systems, Shipping software, Business Analytics, Cyber Security, Risk
Management, Compliance, IT Governance and digital transformation. She’s held managerial roles in both Engineering and Shipping companies, contributing her el
egant leadership to multimillion-dollar development projects and strategic planning. Additionally, Katerina is a former president and current member of the Board
of Directors of AMMITEC, the Association of IT Managers in Shipping.
