PC Maritime, a UK developer and supplier of software, electronic charts and associated hardware to marine markets worldwide, has launched the world's first 'speaking' engine room simulator.
The Virtual Engine Room (VER 4.5) has been enhanced with the addition of synthesised speech. Checklist instructions and communications with the bridge are all spoken and fully integrated into the scenarios provided by the simulator.
"Ask Chief," a unique artificial intelligence expert system, tells the user what should be done as a next step in engine room preparation or equipment malfunction.
VER 4.5 is compliant with the STCW and ISM Codes and is used for ships' engine room training. Based on a slow speed diesel engine, it is equipped with all controls and alarms found in a real engine room. Faults can be injected into the simulator, and student competence is measured with built-in standardised assessment tests.
VER 4.5 has three different formats to suit training budgets. It can be supplied as software only, to run on a single personal computer with twin-screen support or on a network. For greater realism it can be part of a desktop console or as a full-size engine room console.
One of a series of eight engine room training products from PC Maritime, VER is used by maritime training establishments worldwide, including recent installations in Japan, Brazil, Australia and India, a company statement said.
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