The United States Maritime Resource Center (USMRC) based in Rhode Island, USA is pleased to announce a new tug training and simulation partnership with SeaWays Global Ltd which is homeported in Portsmouth, UK. Under this partnership, SeaWays Global will deliver its world-class tug master and pilot training, tugboat simulation, auditing and assessment services at USMRC’s maritime simulation center located near Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
Brian Holden, USMRC President, suggested “this will be the first time in the USA that such highly regarded, formalized, tug simulation training and assessment programs will be delivered in the USA. Courses are geared to all experience levels and are quite intense, but they produce great results. The SeaWays Global programs are the best we’ve seen and the only such offering that is accredited and endorsed by a leading classification society.”
The Seaways Global tug training at USMRC will utilize USMRC’s newly installed, high fidelity, Wärtsilä navigation simulation technology. USMRC now has two, tug wheelhouse mock-ups with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) controls and 360 degrees of computer-generated visuals producing a simulation experience that very closely represents actual real-world operations. The Wärtsilä (formerly Transas) simulation system’s tug modeling and maneuvering capabilities enable USMRC to accurately depict some of the more advanced tractor tug ship assist and complex tethered escort operations. “Wärtsilä has really stepped up their game in this area, particularly in the past few years,” noted Rick Comeau, USMRC’s Vice President for Simulation Training and Research.
For decades, USMRC has enjoyed a reputation for being a globally recognized leader in preparing competent mariners to serve at sea. “Through our new partnership with SeaWays Global, we are now able to bring top-notch tug training and assessment to the USA that produces unmatched outcomes for companies that desire even higher competency standards combined with greatly improved levels of efficiency and consistency in operations across their fleet,” confirmed Comeau.
USMRC and SeaWays Global also share a unique approach in the professional development of mariners in that both organizations effectively blend classroom, simulation and on the water learning experiences to create a more skilled mariner. “Each of these learning platforms provides complementary strengths when it comes to creating effective outcomes,” said Holden. “The USMRC and SeaWays Global team will have the capability to offer all three,” Holden continued.
Capt Neil Sadler stated that “Our courses are delivered to a defined and Class accredited, standard and that all assessments are non-subjectively assessed, it is this what makes us unique and why our certification is held in such high regard around the world. The relationship that we now have with USMRC will allow us to share and promote these industry leading standards with the US towage industry with the aim of mitigating risk, decreasing onboard maintenance and fuel costs whilst increasing professional competencies”.
About USMRC
Independent, nonprofit marine operations and maritime risk research center and education and training institute focused on navigation and operational safety; maritime risk mitigation; human capital development; raising awareness of international shipping maritime trade and transport; and contributing to environmental stewardship.