Maersk Training and Virtual Marine Technology (VMT) have announced that the first freefall lifeboat simulator training system in Denmark has been installed. The simulator, located at Maersk Training in Esbjerg, was installed in preparation for the opening of the company’s new training facility at Esbjerg Harbour.

“The freefall lifeboat simulator allows us to offer more rigorous training for lifeboat coxswains, when compared to training using conventional lifeboat equipment,” says Frank Christoffersen, Managing Director of Maersk Training in Esbjerg. Trainees can be repeatedly exposed to emergency evacuation situations, high seas and extreme weather scenarios not possible to train in conventional lifeboat coxswain training programs. “Maersk Training is continuously looking for innovative ways to enhance the competency level of trainees and to make training more cost efficient. The freefall lifeboat simulator allows us to accomplish these goals.”

Maersk Training developed a simulation-based freefall training course combined with the conventional STCW 2-1 Lifeboat and Man Overboard Boat (MOB), which was approved by the Danish Maritime Authority. “With the recent approval of the Danish Maritime Authority, we are now able to offer this innovative training to all our customers in Denmark,” says Christoffersen.

“The freefall lifeboat simulator provided to Maersk Training is customised specifically for the company’s customers in the North Sea,” says Robert Rumbolt, Director of Operations for VMT. The system is the most advanced lifeboat simulator built to date. “Maersk Training’s lifeboat simulator includes enhancements which are based on customer feedback over 10 years of lifeboat simulator development in Canada, USA, Mexico, Norway and the United Kingdom. VMT is proud of the capabilities of this new system and looks forward to the grand opening of Maersk Training’s new facility in Esbjerg.”

Tags: Maersk Training, Virtual Marine Technology