How Simulation Training Can Benefit from Virtual Reality Extensions? Case: A Virtual Reality Extension to a Simulated Ship Bridge for Emergency Steering Training

This paper presents a Virtual Reality (VR) training application that is connected to maritime training simulator. We call this a VR extension to simulation training. The solution enables a more comprehensive training scenario than a traditional simulator exercise. The case study concerns emergency steering procedure, in which the steering of the vessel must be handled manually from the steering gear room with only an audio connection to the bridge. The steering gear room is implemented as a VR training connected to the bridge simulator. The paper presents the technical implementation and the training process where the VR application has been integrated as a part of the simulator training. The implementation was tested with maritime professionals and teachers. The results validate the feasibility of the training scenario and the usability of the VR implementation. Furthermore, the interviews provide insight into the potential of VR-extended simulator training scenarios in maritime training.