BC Ferries have opened their new training simulator in Nanaimo, comprising of a virtual BC Ferries vessel bridge. It's hoped to provide more realistic training to future mariners for the company. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

training day

VIDEO: Enhanced BC Ferries bridge crew training simulator opens in Nanaimo

May 10, 2023 | 2:23 PM

NANAIMO — An unassuming basement at BC Ferries Departure Bay terminal is helping to better prepare mariners for real-world experience.

A completely renovated facility featuring a pair of rooms resembling BC Ferries bridge decks opened last week, capping the consolidation of the company’s in-house training program to Nanaimo.

Malcolm Rodger, manager of simulation of training and licensed master with BC Ferries took reporters on a tour of the project, valued at about $2 million. Both simulation rooms replace the previous on-site space, which Rodger said had stock display and control handles.

“The crew are actually training on the equipment they are using on board, whereas before was more conceptual training and the actual buttons for the charts and radars were different. Now it’s not, now it’s exactly the same,” Rodger said.

All necessary navigational gear in the simulator space is built to scale and placed precisely where they are on actual BC Ferries vessels.

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A large simulation room is set up for their large vessels, while another space is dedicated to the fleets smaller boats.

Already certified Transport Canada mariners hoping to be employed by BC Ferries are trained at the Departure Bay site, which includes an interactive classroom setting.

Attendees are put through scenarios like docking and un-docking, navigating narrow and congested areas and watching for range of potential threats.

Boats are also able to collide with one demonstration involving a head on collision with a Coast Guard vessel, complete with sound effects.

Rodger said having a vastly upgraded simulator immediately grabs and retains the attention of those who use it.

“The buy-in is that much quicker, the confidence goes up and then the end result on the ship is significantly better.”

He believes the enhanced simulator will improve safety across their fleet for years to come.

In addition to hazards at sea, attendees also uncover unpleasant, windy conditions.

“It will feel like it and your brain will tell you it’s moving, the reality is no, it’s only visual, it’s all optical.”

Classroom and the simulator experience are conducted prior to potential BC Ferries’ navigators being graded during sea trials.

Rodger said their other bridge crew simulation locations in Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen have been shut down, while an engine room simulator space remains open in Swartz Bay.

The simulator can run through a variety of scenarios including marine traffic, weather and docking. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes