Rethinking Maritime Education, Training, and Operations in the Digital Era: Applications for Emerging Immersive Technologies

Abstract

The use of simulators in maritime education and training is an essential component for developing seafarer competencies. Emerging immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) have created new and differing possibilities for maritime simulations and simulators. The increasing advancements and technical readiness of these systems have paved the way for a new generation and category of simulators and simulation-based experiences for professional education, training, and operations, which are relatively cheaper, more immersive, compact, and accessible in comparison to traditional configurations. Although the concept of utilizing VR, AR, and MR head-mounted display technologies for professional training and operations is not new, their recent developments and proliferation now allow for practical implementation and real-world application. Particularly, the adoption and integration of these technologies into the education, training, and operations of maritime industries provide new possibilities and paradigms to support operators and operations both on land and at sea. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concepts of VR, AR, and MR applications specifically for maritime education, training and operations, including the potential benefits, drawbacks, and limitations of these systems.

The continuum of simulator-based maritime training and education

“…VR-based simulators, therefore, directly support two of the learning theories, namely experiential learning and constructivism (Pantelidis 1995 ). Research literature suggests that VR can support learner motivation and engagement and promote higher order learning (Di Natale et al 2020 ; Mallam et al 2019 ). It is also possible to get overall greater return on training investments, as the VR simulators can be used in different settings due to their compactness and high mobility.…”

“…The virtual reality (VR) simulator immerses the users with a realistic experience of the work environment with the use of wearable head-mounted display (HMD). Although the technology with respect to VR was developed back in the 1960s, the usability and popularity of this system were limited until 2010s and it is relatively novel in terms of its application within maritime industry with increasing recognition and investment towards it by the relevant stakeholders (Mallam et al 2019 ). Latest development of VR ship bridge simulator could also facilitate multiple users to train and collaborate together in the same training scenario on the same or on different ships while situated around the world.…”

“…Technological advancements and cost-effectiveness together with the high focus on safety and sustainability are pushing the availability and possibilities of increased fidelity simulator solutions forward. From the desktop-based simulators that are used for limited replicability of onboard task functions to some of the recent highly realistic full-mission simulators as well as immersive virtual reality simulators (Mallam et al 2019 ), simulator-based MET has made significant developments and advancements in recreating realistic working environment at sea. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent restrictions on physical training activities have presented new challenges to the MET institutions.…”

Future of maritime education and training

“…Sellberg and Viktorelius [30] are examples of authors who review and compare theories and methods for studying cognition and learning in simulator-based maritime training. Another example could be Mallam, Nazir and Renganayagalu [16] who analyse the importance of simulation, using emerging Immersive Technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, for the for development of seaman competencies. Chiotoroiu and Dinu [8], studying the implementation of distance simulation learning technology, conclude that, in certain stages and combine with other educations forms, distance learning is appropriate for maritime education, putting back education on board.…”

Challenges and Opportunities for Seafarer Training in the Context of a Modernizing Maritime Industry: Research Overview

“…Užsienio autoriai analizuoja technologijų, virtualios realybės priemonių integravimo į įprastą jūrininkų rengimo procesą klausimus. Ištirta, kad jų taikymas didina jūrininkų motyvaciją, skatina įsitraukimą, atveria didesnes galimybes virtualiomis priemonėmis sukurti realybę atitinkančias situacijas, kurioms esant jūrininkai gali praktikuotis (Mallam, Nazir, Renganayagalu, 2019).…”