Annual General Assembly 2006 - Dalian

Project Session 1

Internet Based Integration of Multiple Shiphandling Simulators

Chaojian Shi & Qinyou Hu - Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, P. R. China

ABSTRACT

Shiphandling simulators (SHS) are efficient and useful facilities for training and education of cadets and seafarers. Most of the maritime universities and many maritime training institutes all over the world have installed shiphandling simulators, which play important roles in maritime education and training. However, most of the shiphandling simulators are standalone facilities and the trainees in the training programs usually come from the same country or from the same company, which differs from the real situation. To improve the situation and enhance the application of shiphandling simulators, research has been carried out on internet based integration of multiple shiphandling simulators. A multi-agent based system, including necessary hardware, has been developed. The system consists of a web server linker, local simulator agents and an internet based VHF communication system. With this platform, cadets and seafarers trained on local SHS can conduct shiphandling and communication practice together with trainees at SHSs in other countries or regions. The integrated training on this platform will set up more realistic and versatile scenario for the trainees, and it can be performed effectively and economically.

Keywords: system integration; shiphandling simulator; maritime education and training; multi-agent system; internet communication

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