Received: 1 December 2020 / Accepted: 24 May 2021/Published online 07 June 2021 The Author(s) 2021
Abstract and Figures
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the maritime supply chain and called for accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various aspects of maritime operations, including the area of Maritime Education and Training (MET). This paper aims to discuss the current maritime simulator-based training and educational practices that forms an integral part in seafarer training and competency development. The study provides a review of the existing simulators in use in MET, discusses upon the technological and pedagogical advancement of maritime simulator-based training interventions with predictions regarding the future MET practices with use of virtual reality and cloud-based simulators. This study-by focusing on ship's bridge operations-highlights the characteristics of various types of simulators and also discusses the role of instructors, challenges and opportunities involving future simulator-based MET due to accelerated adoption of digital technologies and the need to comply with pandemic related restrictions for MET institutes. The analysis generated in the paper may contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the future of simulator-based MET and the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in the maritime sector.
Abstract and Figures
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the maritime supply chain and called for accelerated adoption of digital technologies in various aspects of maritime operations, including the area of Maritime Education and Training (MET). This paper aims to discuss the current maritime simulator-based training and educational practices that forms an integral part in seafarer training and competency development. The study provides a review of the existing simulators in use in MET, discusses upon the technological and pedagogical advancement of maritime simulator-based training interventions with predictions regarding the future MET practices with use of virtual reality and cloud-based simulators. This study-by focusing on ship's bridge operations-highlights the characteristics of various types of simulators and also discusses the role of instructors, challenges and opportunities involving future simulator-based MET due to accelerated adoption of digital technologies and the need to comply with pandemic related restrictions for MET institutes. The analysis generated in the paper may contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the future of simulator-based MET and the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 in the maritime sector.
