Moving the boundaries of MET with high-fidelity ERS training

Engine Room Simulators (ERSs) have become an attractive and valuable tool in maritime education and training (MET) mainly due to the associated cost, risk and convenience in providing training on-board ships. In addition, simulators enable training to replicate scenarios that are not otherwise possible for students to experience and interact. For these reasons, the international convention on the Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) has recognised the importance of the use of simulators in MET. With this recognition, the investment and innovation in simulation systems have evolved ERSs from a preparatory tool to a full mission engine room simulator over the last three decades. As a result, ERSs of varying capabilities and configurations are currently widely employed in MET institutes around the world. This paper explores the role of ERS and the opportunities it may present in the future to MET. It is identified that ERS has the potential to play a vital role in preparing the workforce for autonomous ships in the future.