The Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University have launched a fishing vessel stability simulator in a bid to address vessel stability.
The aim of the simulator, which is the first of its kind, is to provide fish harvesters with a way of learning the concepts of fishing vessel stability, apply them to vessels and subsequently save lives.
John Sutcliffe, executive director, Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters, said: "The collaboration between fish harvesters and the Marine Institute has produced a programme that will make a major contribution to addressing the most critical safety issue for vessel operators in our coastal and inland waters."
The software, which is available in English and French, features 3D interactive simulations, gaming scenarios, video, vessel diagrams, animations, narration and a user’s guide. Owners, masters and crewmembers will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse constantly changing stability conditions. The programme can simulate fishing vessels up to 85ft long and fishing operations that are typically used in the major fisheries throughout Canada.
The simulator was funded by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat - New Initiatives Fund (SAR-NIF), the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Research & Development Corporation (RDC), among others.
