Steering simulator SSH

trainingmaritime navigationbridge

Purpose
The simulator is intended for training ratings forming part of a navigational watch in accordance with Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code.

List of basic knowledge and skills worked out with the use of SSH

• Steer the ship and comply with helm orders in the English language.
• Use of magnetic and gyro compasses.
• Helm orders handling.
• Change-over from autopilot to hand steering and vice-versa; use of autopilot modes: NFU, Hand and Auto.
• Keeping a proper look-out by sight and hearing; responsibilities of a look-out in day and night, including reporting approximate bearing of a sound signal, light or other object in degrees or points.
• Contribute to monitoring and controlling a safe watch; shipboard terms and definitions.
• Ability to understand orders and communicate with the officer of the watch on matters relevant to watchkeeping duties; procedures for relief, maintenance and handover of a watch; information required to maintain a safe watch.

Simulated models

• Active model of crude oil tanker
• Target models: crude oil tanker, general cargo vessel, small crafts

Exercise areas

• Open sea area
• Open sea area with island
• Approaches from the sea to port

Configuration
The simulator consists of the Instructor Workplace (IWP) software and one or several Student Workplaces (SWP). The minimum recommended configuration is 1 instructor workplace and 1 student workplace.

Instructor workplace (IWP)
The instructor workplace is designed to manage training and has the capability to:

• Choose exercises and adjust initial parameters (navigation area, hydrometeorological conditions, time of day, placement and trajectory of targets, emergency situations, installation of navigation signs, drift, floating signs).
• Enter new targets.
• Activate lights and signs on masts and flags (International Code of Signals).
• Trigger sound signals from vessels.
• Activate emergency situations (failures of gyrocompass/magnetic compass, steering system, pumps, autopilot operating modes – AUTO and Hand).
• Activate the general alarm signal.
• Visually monitor students exercising and actively manage the student vessel.

Student workplace (SWP)
Provides the student with the opportunity to perform exercises and improve practical skills. Visualization and the steering stand are simulated and include:

• Autopilot system with modes: NFU, Hand, Auto
• Off HDG Course Alarm switch
• Course setter buttons for Automatic mode
• Rudder angle indicator and order rudder angle indicator
• Magnetic compass and gyrocompass repeater
• Steering wheel
• Engine telegraph
• Sound signal buttons
• Alarm panel
• Pump switch
• Switch of steering systems

The student workplace provides standard control-panel buttons (binoculars, window to hang lights/shapes/flags, camera switches). A student can steer with helm or joystick, use different autopilot modes, listen to and activate sound signals, and start/stop the engine. SWP can be presented in base or compact configuration.

Base configuration
Includes a steering stand with built-in steering wheel and sensor control panel (simulating autopilot control panel). Visualization system is displayed on three TV panels.

Compact configuration
Includes autopilot system control panel and visualization on a single monitor; steering is via joystick and mouse.

Documentation
The simulator is supplied with a set of technical and operational documentation, including training and guidance on practical training.

Regulations

• STCW Convention: Regulation II/4
• STCW Code: Section A-II/4, Table A-II/4 “Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a navigational watch”.

Technical specifications

• Product name: SSH Steering simulator for helmsman (ver. 3.0)
• Intended users: ratings forming part of a navigational watch (STCW A-II/4)
• Minimum configuration: 1 Instructor Workplace (IWP) + 1 Student Workplace (SWP)
• Simulated vessel types: crude oil tanker (active), crude oil tanker (target), general cargo vessel, small crafts
• Exercise areas: open sea, open sea with island, approaches to port
• IWP functions: exercise selection and parameter adjustment; target entry; activation of lights/signs/flags; sound signals; emergency scenario activation; general alarm; visual monitoring; active vessel management
• SWP features: autopilot modes (NFU, Hand, Auto), course setter, rudder indicators, compass repeaters, steering wheel or joystick, engine telegraph, alarm panel, pump switch, steering system switch, standard control buttons and camera/visualization controls
• Visualization: multi-panel (base) or single-monitor (compact)
• Documentation: technical and operational documentation supplied