Comparative analysis for state-of-the-art simulation training systems those influence onto the future engineers’ knowledge and skills

Abstract

Within the rapid changes of technologies and shipping digitalization, the requirements for specialists’ proficiency have been constantly increasing which, in turn, demands for changes in the maritime education and training (MET). Having been discussed in great detail, this issue was examined in the context of utilizing virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and e-learning applications specifically for MET [1-3]. However, this paper answers the question of possibility of Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) marine engineer cadets’ knowledge and skills formation being influenced by non-immersive 3D virtual reality (VR), immersive virtual reality (IVR) using a head-mounted display (HMD) simulation training system. The role of VR simulation technologies from the point of competency-based learning and the voluntary experiments results of different methods of using simulation technologies for marine engineers’ training are defined in this paper. Based on the example of “Virtual-real vessel” simulation complex at KSMA, the profit of implementing VR technologies has been shown i.e. a connection between educational process and practice, educational process changes according to the specific professional tasks, and an establishment of more proficient degree of practical skills within no life and health threating. The paper compares the results of several cadets’ subgroups studying under the “Ship Technical Systems and Complexes Operation” bachelors’ program. The machinery operation task of preparing to start and starting an emergency generator has been carried out utilizing the Wartsila Engine Room Simulator “ERS 5000 TechSim”, HTC head-mounted display and a real diesel generator in the different combinations of simulation equipment and cadets’ experience. The results of the experiment are certainly to be evaluated as an empirical evidence of the simulators training system usage effectiveness and conclusively to have been validated on real diesel generator.