The International Maritime Academy in its sister concern, possesses world class and state of the art the only full mission Ship Handling Simulator capable of simulating ship handling in various ship types, weather condition and different geographical locations. The original version of the simulator had been in operation since late 2002 and has been upgraded twice to meet the new requirement of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping Convention to which Bangladesh is a party.

Own ship type ranges from small rescue vessel to very large crude carrier (VLCC) and this enables the trainees to demonstrate the different handling requirement of various sizes of ships.

At present, there are 12 different ship models of own ship and another one will be procured soon to meet the requirement of training. There are also 10 different areas of the globe where the exercise can be simulated. At least sixty target ship can be imposed on any exercise to train the trainees in anti-collision and evasive matters as per the International Convention on Prevention of Collision at Sea.

The simulator is also capable of night time simulation as well as for twilight conditions. The all-weather capability allows the trainees to understand the behavior of his ship in differing wind, sea and tidal conditions.

The console provides for dedicated hardware for ship’s heading, speed, list and trim, steering and bow thruster controls.

The control panel provides for two radar, two Electronic charts (ECDIS), one navigational aid and one steering panel.

There are seven video channel output providing unhindered vision of 210 degrees and the software is capable of turning the vision through 360 degrees at the operator’s discretion. Binocular facility to home in on target with bearing and elevation is also provided.

The use of tugs for various types of mooring and unmooring operation provides for excellent skill development. Four trainees are required for using the full capability of the simulator.

RADAR & ARPA SIMULATION UNIT:

The academy provides for basic radar and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid training to pre-sea students through a dedicated simulator capable of simulating six individual ship stations with the latest radar technology at hand. Means of using steering and engine as well as simulation of trial manoeuvre is available. As mentioned with the full mission bridge simulator, sixty target ships can be introduced into the exercise which enables students to make use of the Automatic Radar Plotting Aid, a computerized function that allows for safe navigation and collision avoidance. The trainees have full control over speed and steering at the time of running the exercise. Executing a passage, particularly through hazardous area and optimum utilization of the radar, ARPA along with engine and steering is the main concept of the exercises created. Both anti-collision as well as prevention of grounding etc. forms the core of the training. The unit is capable of training 12 trainees at a time.

There are four different Radar and ARPA models in the simulation unit and trainees have the option of using any of the four models of radars.

ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SIMULATOR:

In line with the requirement of current changes to the International Convention on Transas Navi-sailor 4000, Certification and Watch keeping for seafarers, BMTI & International Maritime Academy has procured the latest version of Transas Marine Navi-sailor 3000, Electronic Chart Display Information System simulator. The simulator consists of one instructor and six workstations and will be able to train 24 trainees at a time. The requirement of paper chart is being fast replaced with electronic charts where updated position indication is directly available from sensors such as GPS without the need for plotting. The ECDIS carriage requirement will become mandatory soon and there is a growing requirement of taking such courses for all existing seafarers. The existing ECDIS simulator is being updated and will have all the latest control features.

The particular simulator purchased by the Academy will have radar display overlay facility and voyage planning mode with information from all modern navigational sensors. All controls will be of international standard.

GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS & SAFETY SYSTEM SIMULATOR FOR MARITIME COMMUNICATION:

Training in this simulator is mandatory for all nautical officers serving on ocean going ships engaged in international voyages. The communication on board ocean going vessels is normally done by two means: satellite communication and through terrestrial means; the later using MF, HF and VHF frequencies and the former using super high frequency. Nowadays, any person or station can be reached instantly through proper use of the system, just like ashore.

Communication with shore facilities is of paramount importance in case of distress, urgency and safety. The available simulator in the Academy enables trainee to exercise their skills in operation of radio equipment. The simulator is capable of simulating different gadgets of communication of exercises are designed to meet the requirement of International Telecommunication Union.

A newer version of the simulator is in planning stage and will be installed within the next year.

LIQUID CARGO HANDLING SIMULATOR:

This simulator enables the trainee to conduct tanker operation. The simulator available with the academy provides for both oil and chemical cargo operation. The trainees are taught to load and discharge cargo in a safe an efficient manner, minimizing the stress on the structure of the ship as well as maintaining the sequence as required. Remote operation of cargo line valves, pumps and the use of level and pressure sensors are the essential component of the simulator operation. Trainees are given exercises to load certain grades of cargo of particular tonnage in an efficient manner that minimizes the chances of undue stress, overfilling of tank, causing pollution etc. An inert gas plant as well as a nitrogen generator supplements the safety features. Digital readout of the level in tank and the associated tonnage as well as the stress level of the ship is available for the trainee.

ENGINE ROOM SIMULATOR:

The Academy has a standalone engine room simulator for use of marine engineering cadets. The simulator is capable of showing the functions of the main propulsion machinery as well as auxiliary machinery of the ship. The control setting of the engine room can be manipulated to cause alarm and trainees are to take corrective measures to eliminate the cause of the alarm. All common engine room machinery including boiler, purifier, turbocharger etc. and their operation is easily understood with the simulator.