Oil Spill Response Simulator Training
Objective of the oil spill simulator training is to improve the technical and the tactical spill response competency.
Training is conducted using full-scale navigational bridge simulators and an oil recovery simulator modelling a bucket skimmer.
To improve spill response competency
Oil spill response simulator training is conducted using full-scale navigational bridge simulators and an oil recovery simulator. Integration of the oil recovery simulation into maritime simulators creates a unique learning environment, in which the elements of the oil spill response operation can be trained comprehensively.
Courses are built to focus on the maritime related skills, namely vessel manoeuvring and navigational skills as well as the skills related to the marine oil spill response operation. Main training topics include the on-water oil spill response and recovery tactics and techniques, as well as conducting the response measures in challenging operating environments.
Bridge simulator exercises include both manoeuvring a single vessel as well as operating response vessels in formations. Students will be able to manage oil booms, barges and other response objects in various configurations and operating environments including shallow waters and different lighting conditions. These exercises represent controlled, objective‐driven activities in a prior scripted oil spill incident scenario.
An individual exercise focuses on one or two main problems at the time. Duration of such a mission is one to three hours. Exercises are progressive and the scenario increases in complexity as the simulator environment becomes more familiar and the skills of the trainees improve.
Visualization of the simulator environment, realism in modelled performance of the vessels and the modelled behaviour of the spilled oil enable understanding various impacts the selected response actions.
Simulator environment enables safe training in variable sea states and visibility
Target group:
Training is primarily directed at operational and management level responders of the Fire and Rescue Services. Can also be tailored to meet training needs of other response authorities and agencies.
Training site:
Kotka Maritime Center, Lehmustie 4, 48130 Kotka FINLAND
Execution:
Training course consists of e-learning materials for independent study and 3 days on-site simulator training
Number of participants:
9-10 persons, 6 of which first responders.
Training Environment
The oil spill simulator training utilizes navigational bridge simulators and an entirely new simulator specifically developed for this purpose; an oil recovery simulator.
Navigational bridge simulators (Wärtsilä NTPro 5000) can be used as three (3) full-scale bridges and eight (8) workstations configuration. Bridge simulator programme is upgraded with Oil Spill Functionality module.
An oil recovery simulator models mechanical oil recovery bucket LRB 250 W. Simulator is Mevea Ltd custom built with Lamor Ltd controller. Oil recovery bucket can operated by excavator arm either onboard a response vessel or a barge or as a land-based unit from quayside.
Custom Built Training Method
Oil spill response simulator training method is developed in the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) in 2016–2018.
For more information on the process of developing this oil spill response training, see paper
Feedback from the course participants and the overall assessment how effective the simulator training is, can be viewed in paper
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