New virtual reality engine room facility introduced

TIN news:  Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) announced that installed its W-Xpert Full Mission Simulator (FMS) for training complete engine room crews, at the Marine Power Academy Training Centre of Hudong Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd. (HHM), in Shanghai, China. The simulator joins a network of some 20 further installations at strategic locations around the world. 

The company shares with HHM the FMS training facility at the Marine Power Academy, where some 500 crew are trained each year. The FMS system, as well as its specially adapted W-Xpert software, is a result of the company’s long-standing partnership with UNITEST. 

To cover large training courses in which a whole engine room crew can work simultaneously, the FMS hardware system utilises 18 touch screens located in up to four separate classrooms. In combination with the W-Xpert engine simulation software, it creates a multi-interface, virtual environment which includes, not only the main engine, but also all the auxiliary systems of a typical engine room.

Initially designed for use on personal computers and laptops or notebooks to provide a versatile, portable tuition tool, the W-Xpert software employs thermodynamic models of diesel and gas engine processes, to give high levels of virtual reality.

“The extensive, multi-interface virtual environment we can create also includes all the auxiliary systems of a typical engine room and enables a team to experience a wide range of simulations. To encourage decision making and to promote sharing of responsibility, these include both routine and distress situations. Overall, the scope of the FMS gives WinGD unique opportunities to familiarise engine crews with all the systems involved in operating an engine in a ship” commented Gregory Sudwoj, General Manager Technical Experts at WinGD.

The W-Xpert Full Mission Simulator has been approved by Classification Societies for Marine Crew Training and Competence Assessment in accordance with IMO STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) regulations.

WinGD also provides the ship’s crew and technical staff with the operational training needed for the engines and ancillary equipment found in the engine room.

“During 2016 WinGD trained more than 350 personnel and the most popular tool for WinGD trainees is the W-Xpert virtual engine room simulator because it mimics very realistically situations happening on the bridge, in the control room and in the engine room at the same time,”, Sudwoj adds.

In June 2017 W-Xpert Full Mission Simulators will also be commissioned in Athens Greece and Pusan Korea, to provide crews with virtual training possibilities in these two important shipping locations.