PORTS Australia’s chief executive, Mike Gallacher was on hand to launch a new state-of-the-art maritime training centre at Darling Harbour by AMC Search, following the pilotage and port logistics conference.
AMC Search is the training and consultancy arm of the Australian Maritime College, located in Tasmania.
Training simulators like those at the new Maritime Simulations Unit provide familiarisation and emergency training that helps keep maritime workers and the billions of dollars of goods they transport safe at sea.
The AMC facility is the only one of its kind in New South Wales and is linked to the National Centre for Maritime Simulation in Tasmania. It combines replica ship and vessel communications equipment with highly realistic ocean, coast and port backdrops for immersive maritime training from the security of dry land.
AMC principal Michael van Balen AO said the new facility would boost safety in the maritime industry by making simulated training accessible to more people.
“Familiarisation with equipment and processes as well as the ability to practice emergency situations in a safe but realistic environment are key to keeping people safe at sea,” Mr van Balen said.
“Our new Maritime Simulations Unit aims to enhance maritime safety across NSW and the rest of Australia by extending the reach of the pedagogical expertise and simulation software developed over decades at the AMC in Tasmania to organisations in the important maritime hub of Sydney.”
The Maritime Simulations Unit includes the latest Kongsberg and Transas simulation solutions for training in vessel navigation, vessel traffic services (like air traffic control) and emergency and distress calls.
It also provides access to an extensive library of vessel and port models developed in-house at AMC and previously only available in Tasmania.
