What are the benefits and challenges of using virtual reality in engine room simulators?

When comparing VR to traditional simulators for engine room training, VR offers distinct advantages. Traditional setups lack spatial awareness and immersion, with limited field of view. Moreover, they incur high maintenance costs. In contrast, VR simulators provide a more engaging experience through head-mounted displays and haptic feedback, enhancing interaction and realism. Additionally, VR offers flexibility and customization, adapting to users' needs and preferences effectively.

VR allows for world wide training from the comfort of your own home. This reduces the cost of training while increasing efficiency. With body tracking improving all the time, controllers are being replaced by hand tracking which leads to an increased tactile experience for the user.

VR simulators in maritime education will offer a dynamic and efficient learning tool, enabling students to translate theory into practice quickly. However, they must be carefully integrated to avoid sensory overload, eye strain or any other relevant side effect. As technology evolves, I believe these simulators are poised to become more user-friendly, potentially revolutionizing maritime training by providing an immersive, interactive experience that traditional methods cannot match.

VR can be an excellent learning aid. Like any performance issue, the medium in which training is communicate should be dictated by the actual problem. In many case VR could be considered overkill especially given the barrier to entry. We must ask ourselves what is the fastest and most efficient way to increase retention and boost performance. With that outlook, you can easily weigh up the pros and cons of various technologies and deliveries.

Virtual reality (VR) engine room simulators offer a more immersive and interactive training experience compared to traditional simulators. While traditional simulators typically involve computer screens and controls, VR simulators use headsets to create a realistic 3D environment where trainees can physically interact with engine components.

The benefits of VR in engine room simulators are numerous for both learners and instructors. VR enhances learning outcomes and retention by providing a realistic and immersive environment, fostering motivation and creativity. It also improves safety and efficiency as learners can familiarize themselves with engine room layouts and procedures without risk. Additionally, VR makes learning accessible and affordable, reducing expenses and environmental impact. Instructors can offer real-time feedback, boosting learners' confidence and identifying areas for improvement. Moreover, VR facilitates collaboration among learners and instructors, promoting social skills and teamwork regardless of location.

These simulators are designed to train individuals to react appropriately to alarms and indicators of the Engine Control Room (ECR) Power Management System (PMS). They can also simulate equipment operation on the machine, focusing on enhancing reflex actions and risk perception. I believe this practice is beneficial for developing a strong safety culture and, more importantly, improving the crew's situational awareness.

Firstly, it offers an immersive and realistic training environment, ensuring our crew members are well-prepared for real-life situations. Additionally, VR allows us to replicate different vessel types, promoting adaptability. Furthermore, VR training can be conducted in a controlled onshore environment, making it accessible and cost-effective while reducing our environmental impact.

Enhanced realism: VR simulators recreate the engine room environment with lifelike detail, allowing trainees to interact with equipment and systems as they would in real-life scenarios. Hands-on training: VR simulators enable hands-on training in a safe and controlled environment, allowing trainees to practice procedures and troubleshoot issues without risking damage to equipment or personnel. Cost-effectiveness: VR simulators can reduce training costs by eliminating the need for physical equipment and resources traditionally required for hands-on training. Trainees can access VR simulations remotely, reducing travel and accommodation expenses. Customization : VR simulators offer flexibility in creating customized scenarios

VR simulators provide a lifelike representation of engine rooms, allowing trainees to explore and interact with various components as they would in a real-world scenario. The immersive nature of VR encourages active participation and engagement, leading to better retention of knowledge and skills. VR simulators eliminate the need for expensive physical equipment and can be easily updated with new scenarios and challenges, making training more accessible and cost-effective.

While VR in engine room simulators offers significant benefits, it also presents notable challenges. Technical issues like low resolution or hardware failures can impact simulator quality and reliability. Users may experience physical and psychological effects such as motion sickness or eye strain. Moreover, proficiency in VR technology and engine room operations is essential, posing a barrier to some users. Ethical and legal concerns like privacy and liability require robust policies to ensure all parties are protected. Addressing these challenges is crucial to realizing the full potential of VR in engine room training.

I recall taking part in a very well run Crew Resource Management course at South Shields years back where we physically linked the Bridge & Engine Room simulators on the same exercise, both Deck and Engine Officers dealing with various troubles thrown at them. One of the most interesting and insightful learnings I took back then was acting as an Observer over the engine room attendees, as a Master it was so useful to see how the Engineers worked and looked for the Root cause to the issues they faced as the exercise progressed. Thereafter when actually sailing I always had much more of an appreciation (and patience !) for how they analysed and sought out technical solutions, often at very short notice & pressure to keep the show running.

Low resolution is a non issue these days with the latest headsets boosting 4K displays. Don’t forget when going to see people get sea sick! Perhaps VR is a way to test your sea legs before embarking on a career at sea?

Costs are a concern, and technical complexities demand expertise. While realism is essential, we must address motion sickness and avoid overwhelming trainees. Developing comprehensive scenarios takes time, and there's an adaptation period for users. Maintenance, accessibility, and data privacy also require attention.

High Cost: Implementing VR engine room simulators requires a high upfront investment in hardware, software, and infrastructure. The cost of VR equipment can be prohibitive for some training institutions or organizations. Technical limitations: VR technology is continually evolving, and certain technical challenges such as hardware compatibility, software optimization, and system stability may affect the performance and reliability of VR simulators. Adaptation and training: Trainees and instructors may require time and resources to familiarize themselves with VR technology and adapt their training methodologies accordingly. Ongoing technical support and training may be necessary to ensure effective utilization of VR simulators.

There is a very specific place for VR and is very effective. The limitation is its scalability and cost. Augmented and Mixed (AR/MR) add further benefits by using 'Visualisation' solutions which can also transfer into the real world working environment. Another benefit being development of wearable AR hardware can be implemented into PPE allowing for hands free solution. In conclusion, there is still beneficial applications for both AR/VR

VR data, plugged into AR training along with actual engine mechanical measurements - all modeled together, will change workforce development and improve safety on ships. The potential to impact positive emissions goals, just off tools like this is untapped at present.

VR is expensive to purchase upfront, but almost always cheaper than a real operating engine room. The ability to re-create scenarios in many different ways is fantastic for training.

I have been using VR for the past few years. I believe AR will be the next frontier for training allowing for the blend of reality and VR to create more informative and engaging learning experiences.

I feel if we can make VR more accessible and efficient in its delivery of key learning objectives and look beyond the shiny object syndrome, VR will be well-placed to prove it's worth. Jumping straight into VR without the fuller picture is likely not a good idea for most organisations