Simulation Training a Computer Game

Simulation Training – A Computer Game ?

Steven LAM Head, Marine Department Training Centre

Introduction

With the ever increasing popularity of computer applications, computer based training software has been widely used in the maritime field, for instance, full mission ship simulator, GMDSS, ECDIS, oil pollution and VTC, etc. However, in the PC game’s world, there are also various types of simulation game such as flight simulator, air combat, sea battle, car race, rally, power boat race, and even rescue and air traffic control etc. What is the difference between a professional simulation training software and a PC simulation game?

The Hardware

In the old days, some simulation training used to employ real equipment such as RT equipment with a dummy load. Others might rely on tailor-made software running on dedicated platform and expensive main frame computers. Nowadays, majority of the training software are running on common windows platform with a generic configuration of computer hardware. With superb graphic display capability, simulated equipment layout and control are able to be reproduced as a graphical interface displayed on a PC monitor. Use of most of the real equipment is no longer required. Examples are GMDSS simulator, Ship Simulator and Flight Simulator. Nevertheless, certain dedicated hardware such as ship’s wheel, telegraph, VHF handset etc. are indispensable in order to give trainees the necessary realism. Likewise, joystick and steering wheel can easily be found in any gamer’s home.

The Software

Maritime training software used to be tailor-made for individual client. However, with the growing popularity and decrease in capital cost, ready made software are now available in the market. In this sense, some inexpensive training software are no difference from a PC simulation game. However, with a more splendid budget, client may demand one which has been modified to suit their specific training needs such as the configuration of a mock up bridge and the port and ship database of a ship simulation system. On the other hand, PC games are not meant to meet individual client’s demand nor do they allow clients to customize the application to suit their needs.

The Process of Simulation Training The process involves a minimum of four steps, namely training need analysis, briefing, simulation exercise and debriefing. All four steps are required to be conducted by a competent instructor who has not only possessed the knowledge of operating the simulation system, but also the respective professional knowledge and experience relevant to the subject being taught.

Training need analysis requires careful examination of trainees’ prior learning background, specific training requirement and capability of the training institute. Only with an accurate analysis, can an appropriate training objective be formulated for each individual simulation course.

Pre-exercise briefing is vital in order to enable trainees to fully understand the objective of each training session and their specific task and role in the simulation exercise. This is particularly important when trainees are being put under an unfamiliar simulated environment.

The conduct of simulation exercise should be closely monitored by the instructor. The way how the instructor designs the exercise and interacts during the exercise will greatly influence trainees’ perception of realism in the simulated virtual environment. This will ultimately affect the degree of attainment of trainees at the end of exercise.

Debriefing is probably the most important part of a simulation exercise. It is best helped with the replay of a saved simulation exercise. Trainees are able to identify their own mistakes with the assistance of the instructor. Instructor is also able to appropriately fine tune the exercise following his own observation and discuss with trainees.

It should be emphasized that the success of a simulation exercise largely relies on the competence of the instructor, selection of suitable equipment, realism of simulation and the interaction between instructor and trainees. Quite obviously, none of the above steps in the simulation training process is able to be successfully conducted with a PC game. On the hand, without a properly designed simulation software which suits the specific training need and a competent instructor, an expensive simulation setup can just be a white elephant and is no different from a PC game.

The Marine Department Training Centre

With a mission to provide professional maritime training, the Centre has just completed the installation of a full mission ship simulation system. The system comprises of two mock up bridges, one with a 210 degree angle of view projection on a curved screen and the other with a 200 degree angle of view on nine 50 inch plasma displays. Both bridges are fitted with fully functional navigation and communication equipment. The second bridge is also equipped with the conning control of high speed craft.

2 One of the special features of the simulation system in the centre is the inclusion of localized traffic ships and marine environment. The state of the art 3D graphic presentation, the Hong Kong virtual environment is able to be reproduced to suit various training needs. The system is also capable of creating or editing the ship models and port areas in the database.

In addition to a ship simulator, the Centre is also equipped with a GMDSS simulator, oil pollution simulator, ECDIS simulator and VTS simulator. No doubt, maritime training of officers of Marine Department as well as other government departments will be greatly enhanced with the use of the simulator.

Way Forward

Indeed, application of simulation is unlimited. Apart from training and assessment, simulator can also be used for port planning study as well as accident analysis. It is hope that the shipping industry will also benefit by utilizing the equipment for training of their personnel and other purposes. Interested parties may contact the Centre for details.