Starting in the upcoming fall semester students at NSCC Shelburne will have access to a new Class-A marine and fishing simulator.
“It will be like walking onto the bridge of a fishing boat,” said Mary Thompson who is the Principal at NSCC Burridge, Shelburne, and Digby campuses. “They’ll be using all the technology used in the real world.”
Thompson says the main benefit of the simulator is it allows them to put students in various challenging scenarios without jeopardizing actual lives.
The simulator is being supplied by Wärtsilä Voyage Americas and Alliance Nav.
It has the ability to simulate various types of vessels as well as weather conditions so students can get experience in all types of adverse conditions.
In addition to the simulator console used by students, there is also a console for instructors that they can use to monitor students as they navigate simulated scenarios.
NSCC Shelburne already has 12 laptops equipped with simulator software. They will be able to link to the new simulator, allowing students to use it off-site and collaborate on simulated scenarios.
Once operational Thompson says they have plans for the simulator beyond their students. “We will to invite captains and crews from local vessels to use the simulator to freshen up on their skills and host professional development sessions.”
The simulator is being installed over the summer, with training and testing scheduled to begin in September. Assuming that takes place without any issues students will be able to start using it in October.
Once up and running NSCC Shelburne is also planning an open house to show off their new simulator.
