Virtual Reality is indeed the future of the shipping Industry. The Futuristic MET State of the Art Virtuality Lab recently launched by HIMT in Chennai was inaugurated by Captain Sankalp Shukla, Chairman, FOSMA & MD, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (I) Pvt. Ltd., at HIMT College on 19th August.

Not only does the lab promise an immersive learning experience to budding seafarers, but also equips the seniors of the industry with hands-on knowledge about new types of vessels, and how to work with new types of equipment ashore or at sea.

COVID19 imposed a lot of hindrances on the marine cadets and their training due to restrictions on visiting ships. With the introduction of the Virtual Reality Lab at HIMT, the cadets can now be familiarized with the world of shipping even before they handle real situations.

This Virtual Reality platform is specially designed for the shipping industry, which is a combination of the right hardware (VR Set, Casting options) and software (VR modules). As compared to the Simulators, the VR set gives a 3D View and a 360-degree feel to the viewer, giving them real visualization and clarity, as if they would be aboard a ship. The VR modules are designed to give them a clear understanding of dimensions, which is not possible by using a 2D video or static picture.

Captain Shukla commenting on the VR lab said, “Augmented reality and virtual reality are the things of the future, and a lot of training can be done through this VR platform.

“HIMT has created its own software with regard to the tasks that are available on the Virtual reality platform. We talk about Simulators which are very good, but the VR actually puts you in the spot where you physically do the actual work.”

Elaborating on the VR experience he adds, “When you wear the virtual reality glasses you can see the three-dimensional picture as if you are actually standing in the physical space on the deck of a ship. If you would turn in any direction, you would be looking at a bridge, radars, and towers similar to an actual ship.

“The advantage for the cadets is that they can learn to do the actual work like dismantling machinery or standing on the bridge and navigating. Even if you make mistakes there are no possibilities of any accidents or incidents taking place, as it is a safe environment.”

Currently, HIMT offers fifteen VR modules, a few of which have been created through the internal development team.

The modules include -The ‘Familiarization Modules’ which include a walk-through on the deck and bridge of various types of vessels like LNG carriers, Oil Tankers, LPG Gas Tankers, and Engine rooms, to understand the layout of various equipment.

The ‘Maintenance Modules’ give an overview of various types of machinery like Purifiers, Centrifugal pumps, 2-stroke engines, and Cylinder heads.

The ‘Safety Modules’ include Operation of the Emergency generator, CO2 flooding system in the event of a fire, launching of a Lifeboat, and usage of Gas instruments.

The modules gives hands-on knowledge ensuring that the candidates understand the flow, and repeat them a couple of times till they attain perfection, without exposing them to safety hazards, or accidentally damaging any equipment prior to a real-life scenario.

Elaborating on the need to imbibe VR technology and innovation, Mr Sanjeev S Vakil, CEO, HIMT said, “We took the bold step to use innovative technology like the Virtual Reality, to upskill the next generation of maritime cadets & trainees. Having observed websites of various international institutes, we could not find any Hi-tech VR lab, and thus our core team of architects and technology experts after months of planning finally designed and launched the futuristic VR lab, bringing a dream to reality at HIMT, which will take MET to the next level.”

VR technology is very flexible and can be used for onboard training as well as for classroom training. Mr Vakil adds: “For a better learning experience, we have cast the VR headsets to large screen smart TVs so that the trainers can observe and also carry out an assessment of trainees with the use of VR Technology, transforming them to competent seafarers and taking India’s maritime manpower to the next level.

Mr Vakil sounded optimistic that the Administrations from IMO and DG Shipping, would come ahead and accept this technology, looking at its superior results. He concluded by saying, “It is not meant to replace any of the physical training. VR can only substitute the videos and will be an additional part of it.

“The HIMT VR lab is led by Chief Engineer and Master Mariner Capt Anand Subramanian. The technology is the brainchild of Mr Kirtan Vakil and Mrs Tarangini Vakil, while a few officers are now being trained to work on this new technology.”

Marex Media