The Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training (VDAB) went to Kongsberg for its K-Sim simulation technology to provide comprehensive and targeted training for beam trawler skippers and crews.
Kongsberg Digital has signed a contract with VDAB (the Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training) in Belgium for the delivery of a K-Sim Full Mission Fishery Simulator for beam trawling. Surpassing STCW-F requirements, the functionality, flexibility and hydrodynamic realism of K-Sim Fishery were key criteria in VDAB’s significant commitment.
K-Sim Fishery accurately replicates the working environment, equipment and operational processes of a fishing vessel bridge and deck, offering an immersive and fully-integrated learning experience. The K-Sim Fishery Simulator has already been contracted for use by the Lofoten Vocational School in Norway and several more organisations are planning to order.
The development roadmap for K-Sim Fishery includes applications to support fishing methods such as trawling, purse seining and longlining.
VDAB requested a solution specifically for beam trawling where stability calculation of the vessel during operation of the beam trawl and derricks is included to replicate the working conditions on board this type of vessel.
To achieve this, Kongsberg Digital will include high-fidelity mathematical models of trawls, winches, wires, Marelec D Protec, trawl control system, Genavir netting and auxiliary equipment, and visual system. DNV GL Class A-certified elements including ECDIS, RADAR/ARPA, emergency and distress signals will be fully integrated along with a Simrad multibeam echo sounder.
The K-Sim Fishery simulator will augment and complement VDAB’s two DNV GL Class B bridge simulators and six part-task bridge simulators.
Combined with K-Sim’s dynamic load prediction and compensation functionality, the overall experience will contribute to an improved perception and broader understanding of the forces that can affect a beam trawler under given circumstances.
“We invested a great deal of forethought, time and effort in ensuring that the beam trawler simulation technology is as adaptable and realistic as possible,” said Kongsberg Digital area sales manager Harald Kluken.
“The K-Sim Fishery Simulator represents a move into a new training sector for Kongsberg, where we feel our technology will deliver value in honing operational and navigational skills while drastically reducing the likelihood of accidents.”
