Ship bridge simulators for training, practicing and planning

FAQ: Simulator bridge design and support

• Do your simulators require special computer hardware/software?
  No, the hardware used is off the shelf-resulting in faster delivery times and enabling customers to buy spare parts locally. Currently it is only possible to install our simulator software on PC’s using Windows7 and Windows10.
• Is it possible to add extra computers with other subsystems and visual computers along the way?
  Yes, it is. Every solution is specific to the customer’s needs and demands. We design and supply ship simulators using just a standard laptop for e.g. engineering purposes as well as complete full-mission bridges with a 3600 view.  We also provide tug bridges, instructor and student stations as well as full debriefing setups. These are also available as add-on solutions. The designs are developed with reference to DNV and STCW specifications.
• Are you able to design bridges for Jacking and Dynamic Positioning operations?
  We specialise in Jacking and Dynamic Positioning operations. These subsystems include special consoles that can be applied to all our bridge designs. This enables us to tailor-make a client specific bridge design. 
  
• Do you provide support on hardware and software?
  We offer different support packages. Every support agreement will be negotiated based on the needs and wishes of the client. These agreements can contain annual technical visits or remote support. Every agreement includes an annual free software upgrade. We offer global support 24/7 in case of urgent matters.  Service and support contracts typically cover a period from 12 months up to three years and can be prolonged. 
  
• Is it possible to simulate any type of vessel?
  We can simulate a broad range of vessels ranging from tankers, bulk carriers and container vessels to catamaran ferries, ASD-tugs and rotor tugs. We are also able to simulate a broad variety of advanced vessels - to name our recent developments; a carousel tug and a wind turbine installation vessel fully capable of DP and jacking up. Our mathematical models are based on design documents, GA, trial reports, stability books supplemented by in-house water tank tests, wind tunnel tests and CFD calculations.
• Do your training simulators have all the relevant equipment?
  Our full mission simulators have an integrated bridge system with radar, VHF, ECDIS, and visual sight from the bridge to name a few.
• Which type of alarm or failure can you generate in the simulator?
  We can generate rudder failure, fire alarms, engine shutdown, thruster failure, engine slow down and many other types of alarms and failures. Thereby we are able to create a stressful and realistic emergency scenario.
• How do you simulate several ship models operating together, e.g. a container ship assisted by multiple tugs?
  We can connect up to 10 real simulation models in the same simulated scenario. Each model runs on a separate simulator bridge controlled by a navigator. The people on the different bridges communicate through VHF communication - just as during real operations.
• Are highly advanced ships supported by your software?
  All kinds of advanced ship models have been developed in the past such as catamaran ferries, planning boats, Jack-up vessels, DP vessels, multipurpose supply vessels, ASD-tugs, ATD-tugs/Z-tugs, carrousel tugs, rotor tugs, tractor tugs, VSP tugs and wind turbine installation ships.
  Our mathematical models are based on a vast number of design documents, GA, trial reports, stability books supplemented by in-house water tank tests, wind tunnel tests and CFD calculations.
• Is SimFlex software compatible with integrated bridge systems?
  The SimFlex simulator system was one of the first simulator systems in the world capable of interfacing with integrated bridge systems such as FURUNO and NACOS systems including but not limited to radars, chart pilots, track pilots, planning stations and so on.
• Does SimFlex software support real handles and strategy boxes?
  A vast majority of real ship bridge handles can be interfaced with the SimFlex simulator system to improve the realism and in order to train manoeuvring procedures. The SimFlex software is also compatible with real strategy boxes with configured ship handling limitations/rules/behaviour.
• Are SimFlex related tools and additional subsystems available?

  A wide variety of products/additional subsystems are available for SimFlex simulators such as: “Area Engineer”, “Analyzer tool”, “Numerical Navigator” and “SimFlex3ds plug-in ”. All these tools allow customers to design their own areas and to perform computer controlled navigation studies creating comprehensive engineering reports with post-processing of the replay data.
• Who contributes to the development of a simulator ?
  We have many skilled employees with a wide range of knowhow from captains, tug masters, hydrodynamic engineers, mathematical model designers, 3D artists and experienced psychologists with focus on Human Factors to Ph.D. software developers. All this knowhow is offered as consultancy assistance in evaluation of reports, report conclusions, recommendations, harbour designs, software development and much more.