Ship Maneuvering Simulator Sailing Instruction And Training In Applied Research

Ship-handling simulators are designed on the basis of computer technologies, the hydro-dynamics, ship's manoeuvrability, etc,, to simulate the working and controlling of all types of the ship in various conditions. It has been raised great interests and attention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) due to their great and widely-acknowledged contributions to the Maritime Education and Training (MET). And this can be evidenced that in the STCW78/95 convention, it is stressed that simulators shall be used for the training of competent mariners.An urgent problem in the maritime industry is facing with is the human factor, which is well-known as the major factor leading to maritime accidents contributable to approximately 80% accidents. The ship-handling simulators are invented and used with aim to cut down this. They have many advantages over the trainings on real ships such as high efficiency, less expenditures, less risks, readiness of emergency designing and handling, etc,. So they are of great help to train and improve mariners' capability of handling various situations and emergencies, of avoiding losses of life and damages to properties and environment, and finally contribute to eliminate the accidents caused by human factors.The essay provides in-depth research in the light of STCW78/95 and the Outlines for Examination and assessment of Competency Certificate laid down by the Maritime Safety Administration of China on the research and use of ship-handling simulators domestically in Maritime universities and institutions. The content covers mainly the deep analysis of the existing problems in use of ship-handling simulators, the use of ship-handling simulators in undergraduates' education, and the use of ship-handling simulators in special training. It proposes a project in its later chapters for the use of ship-handling simulators in students'navigation training.