Transas has enhanced functional capabilities of the Navi-Trainer Professional ship handling simulator with several ice models added to its objects library. The new models have been specially designed to train for ‘Sailing in ice environment’ and include five different ice parameters, such as ice field, broken ice, brash ice, pancake ice and small floe. Simulation of ice zones is required by the STCW ’95 (Section A-II/2) for training mariners in voyage planning, navigation, maneuvering and ship handling.

Mathematical models of vessels moving in icy waters are characterized by high level of realism. Hydrodynamic interaction with the ice surface, especially hull friction with the edge of the ice field, and collisions with the ice field, are simulated with high accuracy. Speed of the vessel entering the ice automatically changes depending on its engine capacity, ice type and thickness which can be selected within a range of 0.1m to 2m.
The newly designed ice models add extensive details to the sailing area model. Existing visual effects such as the reflection of the sun, moon and coastal lights can be imposed on the simulated ice surface.

The simulator contains the entire spectrum of navigational controls to be expected on a bridge, including radar displays, ECDIS, vessel controls and navigational sensor, all of each are built into consoles. All related visual and sound effects are also incorporated to create a realistic environment.