Ice Navigation Simulator
Ice Navigation Simulator
Ice Navigation Simulator
By
Provided to
5.0 Conclusions
This review of the Ice Navigation Simulator is the seventh and final element of the work
plan between TDC and the Marine Institute. The review is based upon comments and
observations received throughout the evaluation, including the comments received during
the delivery of the “Fundamentals of Ice Navigation” course from February 24-28, 2003.
a) There was excellent support for the revised Ice Navigation Training Curriculum.
The revised course appears to better meet the needs of entry-level ice navigators
than the International Ice Navigator Course.
b) There was strong recognition of the need for simulation in entry-level ice
navigation training. The committee of experts determined that simulation is a
valid teaching method for many parts of the ice navigation curriculum. The views
of the experts were confirmed by the students.
c) The combination of the capabilities of both the Ice Navigation Simulator and the
MI’s full mission bridge simulator does not meet the full spectrum of
requirements identified by the committee of experts. Of particular note is the lack
of realistic models for ships maneuvering in ice.
d) The Ice Navigation Simulator, as provided by TDC for evaluation, is considered
by the Marine Institute to be a part-task simulator. The simulator is part-task in
the sense that it does not, nor was intended, to replicate the full complexity of
navigation in ice. The system is a simulator since it permits the operation of one
or more numerical models over time (ref. DMSO definition of a simulator).
e) The capability of the Ice Navigation Simulator to act as a stimulator or as a
federate in a larger simulator was not evaluated. Additional reviews are
recommended to determine the capability of the simulator to interact with other
systems.
f) Future work on the simulator should concentrate upon having it meet the general
requirements for simulators used in mariner training (i.e.: STCW '95 Section A-
I/12 - especially the requirements for physical realism and instructor control of
exercises), as well as ensuring that the simulator can integrate with other
simulators to enable full mission simulation. It was established through review,
the seminar/workshop and a test course that the simulator, with some changes,
could be an excellent tool for teaching navigation and operations in ice-infested
waters.
g) Although not a formal part of the evaluation, it was noted by both the committee
of experts and the students that ICEANAV is an excellent tool to assist ice
navigators.
A Memorandum Of Understanding was signed November 6/2001 between TDC and the
Marine Institute. It was based on a proposal submitted on October 4/2001 to evaluate the
Ice Navigation Simulator (Appendix A).
The International Ice Navigator Course was investigated at the beginning of 2002 and
that investigation culminated in the Review of International Ice Navigator Course Interim
Report (Appendix B) on March 29/2002.
The simulator was installed at the Marine Institute April 17/2002 and was tested out for
use. The Training Aids Module (TAM) was received February 25/2002 for assessment
with the simulator.
Changes were made to the simulator as a result of the comments submitted by the Marine
Institute. The first changes were related to the instability of the simulator software, and
were received on June 26/2002. These changes solved the simulator’s instability problem.
Additional updates were received on November 14/2002 and on November 25/2002. The
November updates were minor, from the perspective of the user, and were not easy to
observe on the simulator. On February 17, 2003, a segment of a new world was received.
The new world incorporated unwanted features in its textures and could not be corrected
prior to the start of the pilot course. In addition, the new world contained an ice regime
that could not be safely entered by the type of ownship provided with the simulator if the
principals of ARISS were to be applied.
Participants:
Instructors:
Facilities/Tools:
Both TDC’s Ice Simulator and the Marine Institute’s NMS 90 Full Mission
Bridge Simulator were used for the exercises.
During the course development, the developers made use of the Training Aids
Module (TAM). It offers lot of valuable information but for classroom instruction
it is cumbersome to use in its present format. It could be put to good use if the
course is ever delivered as a distance course either in part or in total. The Marine
Institute course used the text, Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters, which
participants and instructors found to be an excellent book for the purpose.
Schedule
Cpt S. Sheppard Cpt. McNeill Part simulation Tracey O’Keefe Cpt Sheppard
Cpt.S Sheppard Cpt. S. Sheppard Cpt McNeill
Cpt Hye- Cpt Hye-
Knudsen Knudsen
Lunch @ 1300
!3:00 1 Ice Regime 6. Icebreaker Class @ 1400 5. Nav. In ice
Part simulation operations 3. V/L Cpt S Sheppard
Characteristics
Cpt S. Sheppard Part simulation Tracey O’Keefe Part simulation
Cpt Hye- Cpt. McNeill Cpt S Sheppard
Knudsen Cpt. Hye- Cpt. Hye-
Knudsen Knudsen
Results
Overall, the course was well received and recommended by all participants. Information
about the course was collected by instructors and by use of Course Evaluation form QAP-
10-2, which is the standard evaluation form, used at the Marine Institute. It asks the
student to rate a number of standard items from 1 to 5, 1 being poor and 5 being
excellent.
During the course the following was discovered and commented on:
During the preparation for the course it was impossible to save the exercises but the last
changes received February 17/2003 again allow exercises to be saved.
The table below summarizes the capabilities of the ice navigation simulator. The left-
hand column contains those elements of the training syllabus that the committee of
experts believed should be simulated for an effective program. The centre column
1.4 Signs of ice in the Simulate signs This could only be shown to
vicinity a limited degree.
1.5 Ice imagery Used in planning for Planning exercises were
simulation. Send raw data to created but not executed on
ship during simulation the simulator because
suitable match of ship
capabilities and ice
conditions could not be
found to meet the training
objectives.
1.6 Effect of wind and Simulate leads closing The simulator has static (i.e.
current on ice motion relative to weather pattern stationary) ice so this is not
possible.
2.1 Regulations Change of ice requires The static ice on the
reporting. Safety control simulator makes it
zone order. Oil transfer impossible to introduce
dynamic changes to the ice
regime, which would trigger
an action on the part of the
ice navigator.
3.1 Vessel types A number of ships for The simulator now has a
different behaviors, equipped number of ships on it, and
with different propeller and dependent on their size the
hull types ice makes more or less
resistance, this should be
investigated.
4.1 Approaching, entering Simulate all. Simulate with It was extremely difficult to
and transiting ice iceberg roll. Safe passing find the desired conditions
distance from icebergs. Ice required for training within
navigation with other ships the worlds that were
and land provided. Their areas of
coverage combined with
coarse feature resolution
made it impossible to locate
the desired ice conditions for
scenario development.
4.3 Avoidance and freeing of Simulate with different The visuals (looking out the
beset vessel levels, learn when to call windows from the bridge)
icebreaker gave no height indication
(made ice looking flat) ridges
and lead with grey ice looks
the same.
4.4 Maneuvering capabilities Different ships with different The world as created did not
capabilities and ship with give us possibilities to
changeable draft maneuver around ice. It is
either too heavy ice or giving
no hindrance at all.
4.5 Docking and undocking Docking could be simulated The simulator was not
and thrusters could be used created for this.
4.6 Safety procedures during Would all be part of Having a simulator that uses
ice transit. simulation. Will be static ice. Ice is not moving,
incorporated into all creating pressures or
problems that will be used in opportunities and therefore it
simulation. For example is difficult to use the
Conception Bay ice under simulator for safety
pressure could be used procedures during ice transit.
6.4 Safe speed and distances Two ships in operation with Simulator was not equipped
varying speed and emergency for this kind of simulation.
procedures. Respect for ice
6.5 Convoy operations Similar to previous operation Simulator was not equipped
for this kind of simulation.
5.0 Conclusions
Under STCW '95, Table A-II/2 (Specification of minimum standard of competence for
masters and chief mates on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more), passage planning in ice
covered waters as well as ice navigation are mandatory training requirements. In both
cases, approved simulator training is authorized as long as the simulator conforms with
the minimum performance standards outlined in Section A-I/12 parts 1 and 2. The two
key elements of the performance standard that justify the rational for evaluating the
simulator performance against training objectives (as outlined in Section 4) are:
1. Each Party shall ensure that any simulator used for mandatory simulator-
based training shall:
and
2. Each Party shall ensure that any simulator used for the assessment of
competence required under the Convention or for any demonstration of continued
proficiency so required shall:
As will be noted from the table in section 4, there are a number of areas that need to be
developed and/or enhanced for the existing simulator to meet the training objectives of an
ice navigation course. Given that the simulator was developed as a part-task trainer, it is
unreasonable to suggest that the existing simulator be modified to meet all of the
identified training objectives. Within the current capabilities of the simulator, however,
there are three principle areas that need to be addressed.
When the playing area (the worlds) cannot be developed by the instructor but have to be
created with a real ice chart from a day of ice, it becomes extremely difficult to get a
good and varied world that will satisfy the objectives of the course.
The fact that the worlds cannot be created by anyone other than the producer makes it
necessary for the producer to create full finished exercises -- to think the whole scenario
to its end and supply exercises that satisfy objectives in a training course. This limits the
instructor’s creativity for teaching, and is therefore not common practice in maritime
simulation. In many cases, scenario scripting tools are provided to the instructor such that
the operational environment can be configured to meet specific training objectives.
Adding the flexibility to create "worlds" within the existing simulator would be highly
desirable feature, and should be considered for future upgrades.
For the section on creating ships to be really useful, more explanation is needed on how
each element influences the ship that is produced.
Section B-I/12 (Guidance regarding the use of simulators) states that simulators should
also be able to:
In the context of the ice navigation simulator, section 37.5 should be interpreted as being
able to realistically simulate interaction with ice.
At the moment, the simulator offers what can be called “static” ice, ice that is not moving
or changing according to current or wind. Real ships move not only in forward and aft
directions but also sideways when moved by a current or wind. The simulator does offer
these variables for the ship but not for the ice. The result is that the STCW requirements
for behavioral realism and the interaction with targets is lacking.
The ice on the main simulator platform (MSP) is not described in a detailed enough
manner for the picture presented on the radar and on the ICENAV. The student who
chooses a route based on information from the radar will be disappointed to find totally
different ice when s/he goes to the visual for confirmation. And the student that uses the
visual channels for navigation will soon give up on the radar.
STCW’95 Section A-I/12 Standards governing the use of simulators are very specific
about Radar Simulation and states that:
The user interface to the radar using the student console provided by TDC does not meet
the STCW requirements. TDC has advised the Marine Institute that the radar interface
was not intended to be used for training purposes, but was provided to view what the
ship’s radar output would look like if it was being displayed on a navigational radar.
This being the case, then the radar screen provided with the simulator should be marked
“NOT TO BE USED FOR RADAR TRAINING” to avoid students relying on the
display.
The radar image does not match the appearance of shipboard radars currently in use. The
reaction of seasoned ice navigators was that the simulated shipboard display looked like
radar images currently available through satellite. While TDC asserts that the simulated
image looks like images available from advanced shipboard radars, there should be an
option to process the simulated image so that it looks more like existing ship radar
displays.
There is also a mismatch in the resolution of ice features between the radar representation
(high resolution) and the visual channels (low resolution). The result is that the navigator
cannot realistically correlate the two displays and is presented with an unreal sensor
conflict. Since ice navigation relies upon both visual and radar cues, it is imperative to
undertake work to resolve the mismatch between the visual and radar channels.
37.2 provide a realistic visual scenario by day and by night, including variable
visibility, or by night only as seen from the bridge, with a minimum horizontal
field of view available to the trainee in viewing sectors appropriate to the
navigation and watchkeeping tasks and objectives.
The visual channel needs improvement in the way it represents visual cues for ice
(colour, concentration and height). For example 10/10ths grey ice looks the same as a 3.3
m high ridge. More realistic visual representation of the ice regime would permit more
objectives of the course to be covered with the simulator. Attention to improving the
visual cues will enhance the ability of the simulator to be used in its current part-task
configuration.
The physical realism that STCW’95 asks for is very important as it encourages the
student to accept the concept of simulation. It is difficult for the student to accept that
s/he is steering as ship sitting in front of six (6) computers. All the small details that can
be fixed should be fixed in order to encourage the feeling of realism.
The ship movement display is a problem. Heading ought to be displayed as degrees with
one decimal, no minutes, no seconds or anything else. The same may be said for CMG.
Navigators will expect Rate of Turn to display in degree per minutes (degree/minutes)
and not degree per seconds.
Future Development
Future simulator development plans should not only concentrate upon improving the
performance of the existing simulator as outlined in the above three points, but also in
expanding ice navigation simulation capabilities in general. Commercial simulator
manufacturers (Transas and Kongsberg for example) indicate that their simulators have
some ice navigation capabilities. The Marine Institute, the Institute for Marine Dynamics,
and Oceanic Consulting Corporation are all working towards building ice navigation
capabilities for simulators. Undoubtedly there are other entities working towards the
same goal as well. An effort to coordinate the various efforts to reduce overlap and to
optimize resource allocation would be a useful exercise.
The trend in simulation is towards open systems and distributed simulation. While the
focus of this report has been on the evaluation of the Ice Navigation Simulator as a part-
task simulator, the capabilities of the simulator to act as a Federate within a larger
During the course of the review, TDC indicated that one of the uses of the simulator was
to showcase new and emerging technology, some of which is not commercially available.
The scope of the review conducted by the Marine Institute was to evaluate the simulator
as a training tool for mariners. By necessity, training must focus on technology currently
in use as well as upon currently accepted ice navigation practices. With this in mind, the
Marine Institute did not evaluate the utility of the simulator to demonstrate advanced
technology. The Marine Institute acknowledges that simulators can be used effectively in
this role.
Appendix A
Submitted by
Introduction
Effective and safe sea transportation on the East Coast of Canada as well as the
Canadian Arctic requires ships officers to be skilled in ice navigation. The
requirement for skilled ice navigators is not unique to Canada, and is shared by
many Countries that conduct shipping operations in high latitudes.
Transport Canada has been reviewing the requirements for ice navigation training
for a number of years. In 1996, Transport Canada presented the “International Ice
Navigator Course – Draft” to the Ice Navigation and Training Group of the
Circumpolar Advisory Group on ice Operations. The course was prepared over a
two year period by Canarctic Shipping in association with the Fisheries and
Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (Marine Institute).
On March 31, 2001, TDC accepted the first prototype of the Ice Navigation
Simulator from PhiloSoft. The features of the prototype simulator include visual
presentation of the ice environment around the vessel; realistic ship movements
through ice; shipboard radar simulation; and outputs for standard shipboard
equipment.
Objectives
The primary objective is to evaluate the capability of the prototype Ice Navigation
Simulator to meet selected training objectives in the International Ice Navigator
Course.
Work Elements
In general, the work will consist of reviewing and incorporating the prototype Ice
Navigation Simulator into the International Ice Navigator Course, and delivering
2 or more pilot courses. A report will be produced evaluating the utility of the
simulator in training and make recommendations for future enhancements.
1. Review of the International Ice Navigator Course. The purpose of the review
is to determine the elements of the syllabus that are suited to simulation. As
part of the review, any elements of the syllabus that requires updating will be
noted and a separate report produced for the Transportation Development
Centre.
2. Install the prototype Ice Navigation Simulator and conduct user training. The
first part of this work element is to ensure that the simulator provided is
complete and working correctly. The second component of this work
element will ensure that Marine Institute personnel are fully trained on the
operational and technical aspects of the simulator.
3. Review the capabilities of the prototype Ice Navigation Simulator. The
purpose of the review is to determine the capabilities of the simulator and to
match the capabilities against the learning objectives of the course that are
suited for simulation.
4. Develop exercises for use with the prototype Ice Navigation Simulator. As
part of the Quality Assurance program for the Marine Institute, all courses
using simulation must have the exercises fully documented including student
and instructor materials. The exercises produced will remain the property of
the Marine Institute, however a copy of the exercises will be provided to the
Crown to further regulatory developments in ice navigation.
5. Interface standard navigation equipment with the simulator. Depending upon
an assessment of the technical capabilities of the simulator and the estimated
costs of the interface, and attempt will be made to interface the simulator with
standard navigation equipment. Interface options include part-task navigation
instruments, ownship cubicles in the blind pilotage simulator, and the full
mission bridge simulator.
6. Deliver pilot courses. The purpose of this work element is to test and refine
the training program before selected groups of students. Initial offerings will
be opened to ice navigators with experience in both icebreaker escort
operations and merchant vessel ice navigation operations. Students from the
pilot courses will provide feedback that will be used to adjust the program and
to evaluate the use of simulation in the program.
7. Report the results of the evaluation. A written report will be submitted to
TDC on the results of the trials as well as providing a list of recommendations
for future work. The report will also include a summary of the student
evaluations received during the pilot courses.
Deliverables
Participants
Steering Committee
Project Team
Facilities/Equipment
TDC
Marine Institute
Schedule
Costs
TDC will cover the costs of the provision of hardware/software, installation of the
simulator at the Marine Institute, the associated training program for Marine
Institute personnel, and any technical assistance costs associated with the project.
The Marine Institute will cover all costs associated with instructor salaries and
facility usage.
Participants in the pilot courses will be expected to cover their own costs.
Extra costs associated with the interface with live equipment, or any additional
work added to this proposal will be negotiated between the Marine Institute and
TDC prior to the work commencing.
Licenses to utilize the ice navigation simulation software after the conclusion of
the evaluation project will be negotiated separately by the Marine Institute.
Appendix B
Interim Report
Prepared by
The review of the International Ice Navigator Course is the first element of a seven (7) part
work plan to evaluate, and demonstrate the capabilities of, the Ice Navigation Simulator
developed under contract to TDC by PhiloSoft. The primary purposes of the review were to
identify those elements of the existing syllabus that are suited to simulation as well as to
critically examine the syllabus to identify possible updates and/or revisions.
The International Ice Navigators Course currently consists of two parts, each part being one
week in duration. The first part deals with introductory topics while the second deals with
advanced topics. The project team recommends that the international course be revised to be
a one week program that focuses upon introducing ice navigation to professional mariners
who are about to conduct operations in ice covered waters for the first time. Advanced
courses for experienced ice navigators will be specialized in nature and should be delivered
on a case-by-case basis.
Under the terms of the November 6, 2001 MOU, the results of the syllabus review are to be
submitted to TDC as an interim report. The interim report, in turn, will form the foundation
upon which the detailed evaluation of the simulator will be based.
Project Team
Capt. Klaus Hye-Knudsen was designated as project leader for the review. Capt. Hye-
Knudsen is an instructor at CMS that has specialized expertise in the development of
simulation based training programs. Capt. Hye-Knudsen also has previous operational
experience in operating commercial vessels in ice-covered waters.
Capt. Andrew McNeill was assigned to assist Capt. Hye-Knudsen in the review of the
syllabus. Capt. McNeill is an adjunct instructor at CMS and has extensive, and recent, ice
experience as a Commanding Officer with the Canadian Coast Guard. Capt. McNeill is fully
familiar with current methods and technology associated with ice navigation in Canada.
Capt. Anthony Patterson provided general support and guidance to the project team. Capt.
Patterson has experience as a watchkeeping officer on both Canadian Coast Guard
icebreakers as well as specially ice strengthened commercial vessels. Capt. Patterson also
has experience in the management of technology evaluation projects.
Method
The evaluation of the syllabus was conducted in 3 phases. In the first phase, both Capt.’s
McNeill and Hye-Knudsen conducted independent evaluations of the syllabus for content a
relevancy. Obsolete and irrelevant items were identified during this part of the review. The
second phase consisted of a review of the course content to determine the best method to
present the topics. The general format of the International Maritime Organization (as
adapted by Transport Canada) was used to categorize the teaching elements as “simulation”,
“demonstration” and “knowledge”. The third and final phase was to synthesize all comments
and observations into a proposed “revised” syllabus.
The review of the syllabus was conducted independently of a review of the simulator.
Indeed, the simulator was not delivered to the Marine Institute until after the project team had
completed its evaluation. The independent review of the syllabus is seen to be of critical
importance to the project to ensure that the simulator is objectively evaluated against the
teaching requirements of the ice navigation program.
Results
Phases 1 & 2
Explanatory Notes
The Canadian Arctic Pollution Prevention Regulation (CAPPR) has been revised; therefore
the sections “Ice Strengthening Requirement” and “Regulations and Publications” need to be
amended.
Most of the topics under “Ice Regime”, “Emergency Procedures”, and “Survival Techniques”
would benefit from revision that would include new uses of computer applications.
(Incidentally, “Emergency Procedures” and “Survival Techniques” could be moved from this
course to the Marine Emergency Duties course.)
The topics “Effect of Extreme Low Temperature”, “Hull Design”, “Cargo Requirements”,
and “Navigational Aids and Seasons” are still valid and need not change. “Navigational Aids
and Seasons” can be simulated to some degree.
The remaining topics would benefit from some sort of simulation. Topics such as
“Manoeuvring and Operating Independently in Ice”, “Approaching, Entering and Transiting
Ice”, “Manoeuvring Astern”, “Communications” and “Electronic Systems and Aids” are
prime candidates for simulation.
Simulation would improve the way most of the Level II course is taught. All of the topics
under 1.0 “Manoeuvring and Piloting Strategies” and all the topics under 2.0 “Icebreaker
Assistance” can be taught with simulation. The major part of the topics under 5.0 “Passage
Planning” can be taught with simulation.
Phase 3
A close reading of the Draft: International Ice Navigator Course suggests several changes. It
is felt that, for the student, an introductory course is far more important than a course taken
after experience navigating in ice. The current Level II course has three problems - it is in
places too specific, in others too repetitive of the Level I course and it brings the student back
for another week of schooling.
A tightening of the Level I and II course coverage and layout as well as use of computers and
simulation would turn the two courses into one. One course of one-week duration might also
be more saleable to all parties concerned with ice navigation. If a new Level II course is
desirable it could be taught as a distance education course.
The new Ice Navigator Course would see the following topics pulled from the Level I
course:
2.0 Move 2.4 and 2.5 “Ice Advisory and Forecast” and “Reporting of Ice and
Icing Events” as required by SOLAS and CSA into 2.3 “Ice Reporting,
Coding and Terminology” to make one heading dealing with ice reporting and
coding.
3.0 Revise “Regulations and Publications” to cover only the part that pertains to
“Ice Navigation”. Such a revision will eliminate half the material currently in
the course.
6.0 Section 6 “Navigation in Ice” is just plain navigation. Cut it back, making it a
small topic concerned with the details about charts and chart datum in the
Arctic. Incorporate 9.4 “Safety Procedures during Ice Transit” and keep this
as one topic called “Navigating in the Arctic”.
7.0 Revise “Ice-breaker Operation” to contain all the material from course Level
II topic 2.0 “Icebreaker Assistance”. That will save teaching it twice.
9.1 “Fire Fighting Hazards and Sub-zero Conditions” and 9.3 “Survival on the
Ice” belong in the Marine Emergency Duties (MED) course. Move 9.4
“Safety Procedures during Ice Transit” and place it with 6.0 “Navigation in
Ice”.
The following topics from the Level II course move into the new course in the
following ways:
4.1 Revise “Areas of Frequent Damage on Vessels” and move it into 8.0 “Effects
of Extreme Low Temperatures”.
4.2 Revise “Damage Discovery and Recognition” and move it to 8.0 “Effects of
extreme Low Temperatures”.
5.1 Move “Appraisal and Analysis of Passage Planning Data” to topic 6.0
“Navigation in Ice”.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the remainder of the project focus on the delivery of the revised 1
week Ice Navigators Course. The changes noted during phase 3 of the evaluation will make
the course look like the following course outline. In making the changes topic 1.0
“International vessel Ice Classification” disappears as a topic by itself, causing all topics to
become one number lower than in the previous courses.
3.0 Regulations and Publications 3.0 Regulations and Publications 3.0 Regulations and Publications
Appendix A
It may be felt that some of the subjects removed from the Level I and/or Level II
courses are too valuable to lose. If so, any of the following ideas could be used to
obtain the same results without extending the student's time in the classroom.
Appendix C
In Attendance:
Invited Guest:
Bob Gorman
Regrets:
John Clarkson
Robert Wells
Meeting was opened at 0900 NDST at the Marine Institute in Room 2212.
The Co-Chairs opened the meeting, and all in attendance introduced themselves. Brian
Legge joined the meeting at 1100, while Kim Thornhill left at 1000. The agenda was
adapted as read.
Agenda Item 2.1 (Review of TDC-MI/MOU). The primary and secondary objectives of
the project were reviewed and accepted. It was noted by TDC that some of the specific
work elements noted in the MOU are related to the achievement of the secondary
objectives, and that they must not be pursued to the exclusion of meeting the primary
objective. Changes were made to the participants of the steering committee. Mr. John
Tucker of the Marine Institute was replaced by Capt. John Clarkson (or Designate) of
Transport Canada. It was further noted by the MI that the tentative project schedule will
need to be amended due to the late delivery of the simulator to the Marine institute (see
agenda item 5 for revised schedule). TDC emphasised the element of the MOU dealing
with licences, and the need for the MI to negotiate a usage license with the simulator
supplier separately. Bob Gorman indicated that a ICENAV instruction manual was to
have been delivered with the simulator, and will send one to the MI upon his return to the
office.
Agenda Item 2.2 (Review of Simulator Development). It was noted by TDC that the
current project is the first time in the development process that the ice navigation
simulator has been intensively reviewed by a training institution. The training needs of a
professional marine training facility in the delivery of an ice navigation course, may not
exactly coincide with features, capabilities and supporting data of the current simulator -
this is under review and forms the primary objective for the MOU.
It was noted that a detailed presentation concerning the technology development path for
the simulator was given by TDC two days prior to the steering committee meeting for the
benefit of ice navigators and MI staff involved with the project. A shortened version of
this presentation would have been delivered to the steering committee for the benefit of
Mr. Clarkson, or his delegate, but both were unable to attend.
Agenda Item 3 (Status Report on Work Conducted to Date). Elements 1 and 2 of the
specific work elements contained in the MOU have been completed (i.e.: review of
syllabus and installation of simulator).
Since installation of the simulator on April 15, the MI Project Leader has been compiling
a defect log. In general there are three types of items being noted. The first type of
problem deals with the stability of the program (e.g.: crashes). The second type relates to
incomplete documentation that is necessary for training (e.g.: ice charts, imagery,
weather forecasts, etc.). The third type relates to the user interface and the ability of
students and instructors to use the program (e.g.: heading lines, orientation of north,
compass display, etc.). It was agreed that all problems would be communicated to
Charles Gautier of TDC ASAP, and that the MI would also report problems of the first
type to Philosoft directly as well. TDC is not sure what type or how many of the defects
will be corrected by PhiloSoft under the current contract. TDC will discuss this issue
with PhiloSoft and advise the MI accordingly.
Agenda Item 4 (Review of Training Syllabus). Anthony Patterson indicated that Ray
Krick (delegate of John Clarkson) reviewed the interim report, and supported the
recommendation to modify and shorten the International Ice Navigator training program.
The remainder of the steering committee also endorsed the recommendations with the
following modifications: a) the section from the old syllabus on new and emerging
technologies (Level 1 – 6.6) be reintroduced into the program; and b) that the Training
Aids Module be considered as part of the simulator analysis.
Agenda Item 5 (Next Steps). With the late delivery of the simulator, as well as the noted
defects in the stability of the program, it is not feasible to complete all elements of the
detailed workplan by the fall CMAC (early November). A new time table was proposed
as follows:
It was noted by the MI that a draft training syllabus in the Transport Canada format could
be tabled at the Spring 2003 CMAC for consideration of the Standing Committee on
Personnel. This point will be further considered by the steering committee at its next
meeting.
Appendix D
Day 1
Capt. Klaus Hye- Knudsen opened the meeting with an explanation of how the meeting
was a necessary part of the Marine Institute’s evaluation of Transportation Development
Centre’s (TDC) simulator and that this evaluation made it necessary to evaluate the new
International Ice Navigator course.
In order for the participants to better understand some of the aspects of simulation a tour
was conducted which incorporated a view of the TDC simulator and a simulation run on
the full motion simulator.
The experts then examined the course outline to see if the topics reflected a reasonable
approach for a course designed to fit a navigator at an Ice Navigation entry level. There
was general agreement that the course outline as written was appropriate.
After this the seminar participants went through the learning objectives to see whether the
objectives would be right and sufficient for the course. The following was noted:
- Under 3.1 Vessel Types the point was made that pods could be mentioned. Under 3.2 it
was found that the different designs incorporated features on icebreakers and normal
ships, and that it could possible be split in those two distinctive parts.
- 4.6 Safety procedures during ice transit – “Discuss the following hazardous ice
conditions during transit” should include “Safety and dangers around icebergs”.
- When the topics “Navigation in ice” and “Electronic navigation systems” were
discussed, some time was spent on the matter of erroneous information and on the fact
that it is now possible, with the right instruments, to get direct information from the
satellites.
- The topic “New and Developing technologies” is a topic that the ice experts liked in
that, to a certain degree, it forces continuous renewal to the course.
- 6.5 Convoy Operations, it was mentioned that in today’s shipping environment with
bigger and more powerful ships it is less likely that ships (other than fishing vessels)
would be in many convoy operations.
- Point 7 was found very useful. It noted that, without preparation, voyages under subzero
temperatures could be expensive and dangerous.
Day 2
The group tried to identify which objectives could be simulated if a simulator were
available. Below is a table describing the outcome of the discussion.
Note: If desired from special interest group, an add on to the Ice Navigation course could
be prepared e.g. for tank ships or barges or for oil transfer.
Day 3
The next task was to separate the different simulation tasks for different simulator types.
The project leader started with a presentation about simulators. To give the participants
who do not normally work with simulation an idea of the difference between simulators
DNV’s “Standard for Certification of Maritime Simulator Systems” was used.
Out of the discussion that followed the presentation came the observation that as the
personnel who will be taking the course are navigators, there is no need to train them in
the use of the many specific instruments you would find on a normal ship other than
special ice navigation instruments such as IceNav. The limited time allowed makes it
difficult to simulate the different tasks individually. Typically an exercise will therefore
incorporate several aspects of ice navigation, such as:
Planning routing
Proceeding into ice
Reporting while preparing the ship
Compensating for obstacles encountered
Advanced maneuvering in restricted area
And so on
Because the different aspects belong together and complement each other while time
limits prevent single task simulation it was found that a simulator for ice navigation
should be able to do as much as possible.
The second part of the last day was spent mainly on the new simulator from TDC. The
project leader pointed out that improvements to the simulator were on their way, which
would significantly change what was currently on the simulator. A few good ideas about
using the simulator for planning and sailing came about particularly when and if a new
area and new ships were obtained. It was noted that the full motion simulator, could be
used for sailing when it required other ships such as other traffic and for the section
concerning icebreakers.
Conclusion
The Project Leader appreciates the very good recommendations from the group and will
use the outcome from the meeting to its fullest.