The Bridge

A BIG WAVE of high powered cyber technology sweeps the 2nd floor of the Maritime College this November 23. AIMS has just purchased the newest system from ARI Company. The system realistically simulates situations that exist onboard a working sea vessel. The simulation room appears to be a genuine replica of the bridge and engine room of the ship is installed in compliance to international standards. The institute is proud to be the first maritime institution in National Capital Region to acquire the integrated simulation system. Through this, students can perform the real operations of the ship without actually setting forth to sea. The new facility assures that maritime students are prepared for onboard life.

Engineering Console

Capt. Gauran Chhabra, the project manager of ARI Company proudly presented their advanced system to the AIMS management. The new simulation system includes the following features that are also present in an actual ship setting: ECDIS, GPS, echo sounder, RADAR, telegraph, conning, navigational lights system, moorings, course, maneuvering equipment and more. Simulations of real world situations such as distress, collision and zero visibility are also possible. Natural phenomenon like gigantic waves, intense rain, strikes of lightning, and heavy snowfall are also programmed in. Various photos from different portions of the world were adopted by the system to provide the required visuals. The situations that arise can be controlled from an adjacent room called the Instructor's Station. The bridge and engine simulators are integrated so that there must be coordination between the deck and engine officers when facing a simulated situation. This further promotes realism since such coordination is part of shipboard life. A communication program is installed to establish the command and response cycle between them. Capt. Chhabra remarked, "It is made close as to what is realistic. It is also easy to operate. This is the actual view. This is like the real thing."

Capt. Gauran Chhabra Explaining

Capt. Lino Paderanga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, was astounded regarding the high innovation of the facility and was surprised by the integration linking the bridge and engine simulators. He envisions in further promoting the ambiance of the room as to what it is in the actual ship. He plans to add more speakers and patch the unused corners to form the real figure of the bridge and engine rooms. Nevertheless, he highly appreciates the capabilities of the new and upgraded facility of the school.

Instructor's Room

Through the assistance of the new simulator system, the students will be able to familiarize themselves with the signals and commands on board. They will also be able to learn the uses of the different buttons, levers, charts, and devices within the bridge and engine rooms. Proper engine actions, maneuvering, and navigation can also be learned. The facility aids the preparation of AIMS maritime students for their future career at sea.

Thus, the acquisition of these new facilities shows the commitment of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies to its quality standards. Even so, excellence and achievement is anchored not only in the harbor of the institution, but also in the strength, courage and determination of its future seafarers.

Adapted to website by: Alarice E. L. Chan