Simulating Safe Passage of Two Queens

Two of the world’s biggest and most opulent cruise ships recently glided safely into Sydney Harbour, thanks in no small part to the AMC’s Centre for Maritime Simulations.

Ocean liners the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth docked within 15 minutes of each other near Fort Denison for the first time – virtually on AMC’s ship simulator, and then in real life. Prior to the “real” visit by the two Queens, Port of Sydney pilots travelled to Launceston to utilise AMC’s ship bridge and tug simulators to assess and manage the risks involved in the operation. The pilots were able to calculate the speed, control and separation distances required to safely navigate the vessels – which measure 345 and 293 metres long respectively – through the waterway.

“An exercise like this demonstrates AMC’s expertise in this cutting-edge field,” Centre for Maritime Simulations Manager Ian Rodrigues said.

“It is a vital service for our clients, as they are able to establish the limits of what can be done and then apply this knowledge and training in real-life situations.”

Sydney pilot Adam Hummerston said staff were required to undertake simulator training every 2½ years.

“It gives us greater peace of mind as we know what to expect in real life,” he said. “We can also dial up wind speeds and currents that you wouldn’t expect so we know how to deal with worse case scenarios.”

The two ships visit to Sydney all went seamlessly, and in accordance with preparatory simulation exercises conducted by the pilots on AMC’s simulator.

The two Queens in Sydney Harbour – AMC Simulator

GMDSS Upgrade

AMC has recently completed a major upgrade of its GMDSS training facility. While retaining the essential “live” equipment and transmission capabilities for training purposes, a state-of-the-art Transas simulation capacity has been added that enables GMDSS trainees to experience simulated distress situations. This provides realistic training in a safe environment, enabling trainees to gain experience and confidence in dealing with a variety of emergency scenarios.

A “first look” at the new facility was provided to aircrew members of AMSA’s Search and Rescue Unit, as part of a training program held recently at AMC focussing on communication and coordination between air and sea personnel during operational and emergency situations.

AMSA Search and Rescue Air Crew personnel try out AMC’s new GMDSS simulator

AMC Maritime Forum, 2011

AMC is hosting its 2011 Maritime Forum in Launceston on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 May, with a pre-Forum welcome reception being held on the evening of Sunday 22 May.

The theme is Navigating Change and the keynote speaker on the opening day will be Mr. Koj Sekimizu, Director of Maritime Safety Division, International Maritime Organisation.

Program details can be found by visiting: https://www.amc.edu.au/navigating-change and anyone interested in attending can obtain more details from Lee Jennings

Course Vacancies Available (If you’re quick!)

Enrolments are open for the following courses:

DP Advanced (AMC, Tas) 2-6 May (1 place available)

DP Basic (Perth, WA) 16-20 May (3 places available)

VTS Basic Operator V/103-1 (AMC, Tas) 16-27 May (3 places available)

DP Advanced (AMC, Tas) 13-17 June (2 places available)

DP Basic (AMC, Tas) 20-24 June (1 place available)

For more details contact Cathy Wilson

VTS Courses – V103/1

There are two VTS Basic Operators courses scheduled this year. The first, 16-27 May, has limited places available and a second course is scheduled for 26 September to 7 October.

The courses are conducted at AMC using AMC Search’s VTS simulator, and led by internationally renowned VTS Trainer, Robert Shaw.

Some ports have experienced difficulty in their VTS Operators meeting the IALA approved VTS course pre-requisites. As a result, AMC Search has developed a self-paced distance education Nautical Knowledge Preparation package to prepare candidates to meet the Nautical Knowledge pre-requisite of the VTS basic operator course at AMC.

The package is suitable only for candidates who are currently working in a VTS centre. Candidates work through the two workbooks provided under the mentoring of a suitable supervisor, who is nominated by their Port; the package contents are reinforced during the AMC VTS basic course.

There are no formal assessments throughout the workbooks, however, candidates will be required to undertake the standard Nautical Knowledge assessment conducted at the commencement of the VTS Basic Operators courses for the purpose of Recognition of Prior Learning in Nautical Knowledge.

VTS Simulator

VTS Operators have visual view of their port as well as computer screens utilising
real world Transas Navi-Harbour software. VHF/telephone communication
facilities are used to communicate with other trainees “in command” of vessels
entering and departing port.

For more details contact Cathy Wilson

Ballast Control Operations Stability – Vietnam

Following on from a successful course in Ho Chi Minh City last year, Captain John Milward is again visiting Vietnam to conduct a Stability course for offshore operators.

Capt. John Milward

Covering all aspects of IMO Resolution A. 891(21), the 42 hour course is designed to train Installation Managers, Barge Supervisors or Ballast Control Operators on board floating platforms (MODUs) to have a good appreciation of the stability of their craft, to understand the inherent dangers, and how to combat any loss of buoyancy that may result from damage.

Many readers are former AMC Deck Officer trainees and many of them will have benefited from John’s unique knowledge of, and passion for, vessel stability management and control. John specialised in this subject during his many years as a Senior Lecturer at AMC.

While now retired, John works regularly for AMC Search conducting Stability courses, and Safe Bulk Cargo Handling courses around Australia and internationally. His two books on Stability continue to be in demand by people needing detailed knowledge of ship stability, and can be purchased from AMC Search by contacting Cathy Wilson

Ship Stability Publications