Presentation Transcript

1. Using Simulation to Train Merchant Mariners

   Northwestern Michigan College1701 E Front Street Traverse City, Michigan 49686-30611-800-748-0566, Extension 1200 www.nmc.edu/maritime
2. Seven Maritime Academies One federal and six state All are regulated by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) All fall under 46 CFR Subchapter 310 Numerous other facilities, both public and private. Merchant Marine Training in the United States
3. If operating with federal aid: Uniforms Regulations Must take, and pass license Must admit out of state students at in state rate (to at least 10% on incoming class) What 46 CFR 310 requires
4. US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point)
5. Established by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 One of five Federal Service Academies All Midshipmen in the regiment, age/ physical requirements similar to other service academies Passing of license a pre-requisite for graduation US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point)
6. Bronx, NY State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College
7. Located in the Bronx, NY Founded in 1874 aboard Training Ship St. Mary Became land based in 1934, one of the last acts by then NY Governor Franklin Roosevelt. Enrollment consists of: non regiment students in a non license curriculum; regimented students in a non licensed curriculum; regimented students in a licensed curriculum. State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College
8. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
9. Similar to NY as it began as an institution located aboard a training ship (1891) and moved to a shore based facility in 1936. Currently located in Buzzard’s Bay, MA. All cadets are in the regiment (I believe), but not all are in a curriculum that will lead to a license. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
10. California Maritime Academy (CMA)
11. Established by California in 1929 Funding stabilized after passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 Located in Vallejo, CA Currently part of the California State University System. Only Maritime Academy on the west coast Student model similar to SUNY Maritime College California Maritime Academy (CMA)
12. Maine Maritime Academy
13. One of only three State Academies with Naval ROTC (others being NY and TX) Established by Maine Legislature in 1941 The only entity in zip code 04420 Currently located in Castine, ME Also has regimented/ non regimented and licensed/ non licensed programs Maine Maritime Academy
14. Texas Maritime
15. A division of Texas A&M Established in 1962 Located in Galveston, TX Graduates are considered “Aggies” and are authorized to wear the TX A&M ring same as graduates of the College Station, TX campus Texas Maritime
16. Great Lakes Maritime Academy
17. A division of Northwestern Michigan College. The 1st Community College in Michigan to award a Bachelor’s Degree (January 2014). Degree was: Bachelor’s of Science Maritime Technology. Michigan law enacted in Dec 2012 authorized Community Colleges to award Bachelor’s Degrees in four disciplines: Maritime Technology, Energy Production, Culinary, and Cement Technology. Great Lakes Maritime Academy
18. Why? Cost: cost of operating an “unlimited tonnage” vessel can exceed $50K per day. Other than electricity required to operate the simulator, heat, lights, it is “green.” A cadet can experience limitless weather/ sea state scenarios over the course of a semester. If underway on a vessel he/ she may/ may not experience these; he/ she certainly would not be in charge of a bridge watch on a commercial vessel (as a cadet) during these times. Why do we use simulation?
19. Habit transfer: learn and develop the skills you’ll need when at sea, in a safe environment. Prototype new procedures: LNG tanks, weapons, night vision goggles, anti-piracy tactics. Develop the operating envelope. Why do we use simulation?
20. Build confidence! When a cadet transitions from the simulator, to the training ship, when he/ she is docking the ship, for real, the first time, they’ll be on the bridge with the same instructors they were with in the simulator. “You can do this, you've done it before!” Why do we use simulation?
21. Accident review and reconstruction. The vast majority of major marine casualties are due to human error. In a simulator we can place a cadet in the same operating environment as Exxon Valdez, Esso Sea Witch, S/S Stockholm, or in scenarios that we know will challenge the cadet and there is a 100% chance they’ll encounter after graduation (e.g. fog, traffic). Why do we use simulation?
22. Allows evaluation that is based on an objective set of scenarios. Exams can be very good, but they only test so much. An exam that incorporates the simulator allows us to evaluate how a cadet performs in the workplace they are training to enter. It also allows us to evaluate how they will perform as part of a team (Bridge Resource Management). Why do we use simulation?
23. If the cadet challenges a score it’s all on tape! Body language is recorded. This is critical for reviewing performance, by the end of the semester a cadet is given a scenario, and no oversight. A scenario that would not be safe (or legal) on a commercial vessel. They can then sit with the instructor and evaluate their performance while watching it on tape. Why do we use simulation?
24. Track performance gaps in the fleet. Why is there a tendency to overshoot a pier, come in too shallow. Simulation allows an operator and their senior captains the ability to track these gaps, and determine if a change is for the better. LNG How can industry benefit?
25. Ships are machines, the operators need to be able to know the limits. Simulation allows a cadet to push the envelope in a safe environment. Practice! Tremendous cost savings (over time). The cost of running a large vessel can be greater than $50K/ day, even our vessel is $10K a day. Don’t call me to the bridge to be a witness
26. T/ S State of Michigan
27. Commercial Vessels
28. U.S. Merchant Marine training is regulated by United States law (Code of Federal Regulations Subpart 46 (46 CFR), and the international treaty Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). All cadets who began their training on or after 2013 must have instruction in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Global Marine Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment has effectively replaced the radio officer. A GMDSS endorsement is required for an ocean license. A modern simulator is required for ECDIS, while GMDSS can be taught using laptops it is not ideal. Use of a simulator gives a much more realistic presentation. It is required by law
29. Manned models was the preferred methodology prior to the advent of the modern bridge simulator. How was it done previously?
30. Location, the academic institution must have access to a waterfront. Weather: they don’t break ice well. Cost: computers are much less expensive to maintain and upgrade than small vessels. Limited ability to simulate crossing and/ or heavy weather issues. Cannot accurately model other ports. No ability to develop Bridge Team Management skills. Disadvantages of Manned Models
31. Coast Guard approval allows for 30 days (of 360) sea time on simulators. ECDIS/ GMDSS use simulation. Simulator is also required for the Bridge Resource Management (BRM) Course. BRM is required by USCG/ STCW. Aviation is (much) further ahead. How is it imbedded into the curriculum?
32. International Treaty, developed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). U.S. is signatory, it is incorporated into U.S. law. STCW can best be viewed as an “international reflection of your domestic license.” Somewhat similar to an international drivers license. Unfortunately the STCW Code is more geared toward trade schools than degree granting institutions. Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Code)
33. STCW is based on the assessment of Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiencies (KUPs). These can be accessed in a number of ways, such as a hands on demonstration, or attendance at an “approved course.” Written exams are not acceptable for demonstration of an STCW KUP. STCW is grappling with simulation at this time. STCW Code
34. Has effectively eliminated a large pool of qualified and motivated potential Merchant Mariners; honorably discharged and/ or retired USN/ USCG mariners. Maintaining a license is also costly, this an area of opportunity for community colleges. Retention
35. Licenses have not been unlimited since Exxon Valdez. Cadets and mariners should view their Merchant Mariner Credentials as a portfolio of credentials. Goal should be to accrue credentials, not simply to upgrade. “Stackable” Credentials. Portfolio of Credentials
36. The seven maritime academies are incredible American institutions, but ... Is a community college that offers a path to endorsements for (almost) anything except unlimited tonnage/ unlimited horsepower a better model? Academy Model
37. The number one reason we lose a cadet is finances. Not drugs, not conduct, not DUI. They are doing great things while simultaneously enrolled in a challenging academic program. GLMA may be most cost effective, but it still costs $75K. It was $90K when the Bachelor’s Degree was awarded by a partner institution. An 11 semester program (8 academic semesters/ 3 sea projects). Very limited ability to work part time/ earn funds for tuition. In my world (Midwest) we lose cadets when parents lose their jobs. Why we lose cadets
38. Ideally simulation tricks your mind. Develop the Merchant Marine Officers who will be industries preferred employees. What is the end goal?
39. Rear Admiral Achenbach (231) 995-1203 gachenbach@nmc.edu Do not hesitate to call or email, especially if you have a question regarding Merchant Marine licensing. Thank You