IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 16/06

HOW SIMULATORS ARE USED BY IMCA MEMBERS

Although simulators are used for a variety of purposes, a survey of members of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) reveals that their primary use is for training.

Simulation covers a wide range of activities, including emergency scenarios, but IMCA members' primary use of simulators is for bridge/vessel simulation, DP and ROV purposes. One of the diving contractor questionnaire responses showed that in their case simulation was of a hyperbaric chamber for the benefit of medic training.

"The results of our interesting survey are published in ‘The Use and Requirements for Simulators in Training and Operations' (IMCA C 009)," says Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA, which represents the interests of well over 300 marine contractors in 35 countries. "During 2003, IMCA's Training, Certification & Personnel Competence (TCPC) Committee decided that a study on simulator usage would be beneficial and included it in its work programme for 2004. The resulting questionnaire comprised 30 questions covering both simulators themselves and related personnel issues.

"The questions covered: the use and functionality of simulator systems; realism of simulation; possible future use of simulators; the complex relationship between trained personnel, simulator training itself and actual operations; training methodologies, including class sizes; and respondents' considerations of the future of simulator training."

Twenty-three different members responded to the questionnaire during 2004 and 2005. A breakdown of responses by type of organisation showed that there were eight training providers, four subsea engineering contractors, including ROV operators; two diving contractors; two drilling contractors; three vessel operators, a geophysical survey contractor and a crane vessel operator. Two organisations provided two responses each to the questionnaire, from different business units operating in different geographical areas.

"We have analysed the responses received in full, and the key findings are summarised in our new publication," explains Hugh Williams. "This includes how members currently use simulators, requirements in terms of equipment, realism and the experience of those conducting simulator training, how simulator training fits in to general requirements for training and experience and members' views on future needs and simulator development.

"Simulator users expect that future equipment will be even more realistic through more sophisticated systems e.g. 3D, virtual reality and interactive devices. There is clearly scope for dialogue between users, training providers and simulator designers to optimise these developments which IMCA wants to take forward.

"Our TCPC committee believes simulators to be a key and growing part of many areas of our industry. IMCA is eager to promote dialogue across the industry on the topic for everyone's benefit."

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.