Ship Handling Training Simulator

PC Rembrandt, the ship handling training simulator developed by BMT SeaTech (UK), has been supplied to BP Shipping for its new gas vessels. This PC based real or fast time ship manoeuvring simulator is designed for training and performance evaluation applications. It utilises mathematical ship models developed by BMT SeaTech from many years of research into ship hydrodynamics and manoeuvring performance. The mathematical model is equivalent in accuracy to those found on full mission ship simulators and includes the effects of water depth, wind and current.

Simulations can be saved and re-played in a VCR style presentation for ease of use and clarity and detailed reports including position plots can be produced. It can be used for manoeuvre rehearsal prior to entering or leaving a port, training for junior and senior officers, familiarisation with specific control devices (such as podded propulsion), briefing and de-briefing for the ship's officers.

Objective assessment of the wind and current in relation to the number of tugs required for the berthing or un-berthing of a vessel. The office-based system will enable the assessment of risk during port entry and departure and the establishment of operational limits for proposed new LNG terminals. It will also be possible to present simulation results to pilots, harbourmasters, coast guards and regulatory authorities for approval and to support the operation of new ports. Additionally systems will be installed on the new ships and will be supplied with a dedicated control console and electronic charts of each or all the ports that the vessel's are likely to visit.

PC Rembrandt is used by various cruise ships such as the P&O Princess Cruises' Golden Princess and Star Princess, as well as Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas. It has also been installed at Port of Southampton. The last version of the simulator was released in May 2001.