2005-2006

News Release

REF NO.: 22

SUBJECT:

DATE: September 20, 2005

Educators, researchers and manufacturers from the international marine simulation industry are gathering in St. John’sthis week to showcase the latest in design, construction and operation of ship handling simulators.

The Marine Institute's Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) will host the International Marine Simulator Forum (IMSF) from Sept. 20-23. The IMSF promotes the use of marine simulators and the development of simulation standards to improve training, operation and research in the maritime industry. The IMSF has members from over 60 organizations in 15 countries. This is only the second time the international group has meet in St. John’ssince forming in 1978.

The forum will kick off with its annual general meeting at the Institute for Ocean Technology (IOT) on Sept. 20. The following days will feature workshops, presentations and exhibits at the Marine Institute.

The highlight of the exhibition will be the first public demonstration of a lifeboat launch prototype simulator. CMS, IOTand Virtual Marine Technology Inc. have collaborated to design and engineer this new simulator that will train coxswains how to launch a lifeboat before attempting it at sea. This is CMS’s first foray into the field of simulator design and construction.

The Centre for Marine Simulation provides a broad range of simulation-based training and applied research services in ship navigation, marine engineering and ship communications. Through simulation-based training and education, in a realistic but controlled environment, CMSdevelops and improves operational efficiency and ability to handle emergencies. The centre has eight modern simulation facilities including a full motion bridge simulator – the only one of its kind in Canada.

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