Author: MSAteam

New 360 Tug Simulator at The Maritime Skills Academy in Portsmouth

The Maritime Skills Academy (part of the Viking Maritime Group) is further developing its training portfolio by expanding its state of the art simulation facilities at the Portsmouth centre.

The new addition will include a 360 degree full mission tug simulator at the Portsmouth centre, complete with Rolls Royce controls and electronics and genuine Damen hardware winch controls.

The intention is that this new simulator will be fully integrated with the existing full bridge simulator, to provide realistic exercises where tug operations can be combined with ship handling courses to further enhance the training opportunities.

Viking MSA’s model of providing an innovative and tailored approach to training has led to a significant increase in demand for simulator training from tug operators and ports alike.

Our fully integrated 360 tug simulator has realistic simulator visualisation and supports different types of training in:

  • Offshore tugging and towing
  • Ship assistance work
  • High speed escort work
  • Operating various anchor equipment
  • Oil rig and platform moves
  • Integrated tug master and pilot training

All types of tugboats are simulated, including conventional single-screw tugs, conventional twin-screw tugs, cycloid-drive (Voith-Schneider) tractor tugs and Z-drive reverse tractor drive.

Working in partnership with Seaways Global training courses can include:

  • Module 1 – ASD/ATD Tug Handling
  • Module 2 – Undertaking Harbour Towage
  • Module 3 – Active Escort & Dynamic Ship Assist
  • Pilot Azimuth Propulsion course
  • Effective Use of Tugs for Marine Pilots

The state-of-the-art tug simulator set up at Portsmouth includes:

  • 360° vision via 44 LED screens
  • 31 computers
  • Rolls Royce controls and electronics
  • ASD/ATD/CTS/VSP controls
  • Genuine Damen hardware winch controls.

Working closely in partnership with Wartsila, hydrodynamic modelling accurately replicates the dynamic interaction between the ship and the tug to further enhance the realism and user experience.

The MSA in Portsmouth already boasts a full 270 degree NACOS platinum bridge with integrated bridge wings, connected safety centre, engine simulation suite with its control room, main switch board, high voltage and 3x virtual machinery spaces.  See more here: https://www.maritimeskillsacademy.com/solent/

The MSA in Dover provides delegates with more of the practical safety training, covering basic and advanced STCW courses, GWO, hands on engineering, commercial fire fighting and development training. The facilities include a real-life environmental effects survival pool, fire training centre, a damage control module, lifeboat centre and workshops. See more here: https://www.maritimeskillsacademy.com/facilities/

Viking Maritime Group:

Viking Maritime Group is leading the way as a maritime services company and operates in the United Kingdom, USA, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Founded in 1988, today the company encompasses a diverse group of businesses including; Viking Crew, the leading maritime crew services provider; and the Maritime Skills Academy’s Dover and Solent based training centres.

Across the company there is alignment and synergy in our ethos, in putting people first and helping support and develop the talent and expertise within the global maritime industry. Read more here: https://www.vikingmaritime.co.uk/

Roundup of Our Staff Social Event

After the success of previous years and the disappointment of missing out last year due to Covid, it was decided that this year we would revive our annual end of summer staff social event.

We closed our UK offices and training centres at 4pm and invited all staff members from both Dover & Portsmouth to an afternoon of fun activities, food, drink and live music.

Teams were chosen, mixing up the different departments in the businesses, captains were nominated, and some interesting team names were shared! It was then time for the games to begin under the watchful eye of our Chairman and Founder, Dieter and his wife Jill. The team games were a good opportunity for everyone to mingle and mix with people outside of their department, who they wouldn’t necessarily get the chance to speak to usually in a working day. There were a lot of laughs and some serious competitiveness!

After a quick tally up of the scores, “5 Alive plus 2” were announced the winning team and presented with their trophy. After a short acceptance speech from their Captain, Paul, it was time for the real entertainment to start!

The staff were treated to a live music set by local musician Thom Cakebread, while enjoying a delicious BBQ with all the trimmings by MK Catering. Everyone was kept hydrated throughout the afternoon with a tasty selection of beverages, supplied by the Breakwater Brewery Mobile bar.

A fun afternoon was had by all, and we look forward to doing it all again next year!

 

VMG Team visits Steamship Shieldhall

On Saturday, members of the Viking Maritime Group were lucky enough to be invited onboard the Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton.

Dieter, Group Chairman & Founder, Jill, Oversight & Governance Director, Kevin, Operations Director at Chiltern Maritime and Ken, Non-Executive Director, were treated to a complimentary harbour cruise.

The invite was offered as a thank you to the VMG for the charitable donation of free Bridge Resources training for all officers and crew onboard, to take place at the Maritime Skills Academy in Portsmouth.

Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steamship in Britain. As a member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain’s maritime heritage and is operated by a team of dedicated volunteers. Capt. John Scott, a consultant instructor at the Maritime Skills Academy is currently relief Master onboard.

The VMG team had a lovely time onboard, seeing the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork.

 

Date of Issue: 15th September 2021