Mintra has launched a 3D simulation safety training system powered by Unreal Engine, with the aim of placing crew members inside operational scenarios that reflect real onboard decisions and consequences.
The application can be accessed via a vessel’s existing onboard PC or a personal PC by downloading the tool from the Microsoft Store. This deployment framework removes the need to attend specialist simulator centres or to operate virtual reality (VR) equipment, the company says.
The company has developed its first two courses for the system: Incident Investigation and Enclosed Space Entry and Rescue.
“Seafarers work long hours, seven days a week, often completing training on top of demanding operational schedules. Too often, learning can feel repetitive or disconnected from the realities of the job,” said Jessica Suessmilch, Digital Learning Development Manager at Mintra.
“As an ex-seafarer, I wanted us to create something engaging, relevant and respectful of crews’ time and expertise. These simulations close the gap between theory and practice by allowing crews to experience operational decision-making in a safe digital environment, before those decisions have real-life consequences.”
A pilot programme of the new application was carried out with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), with 95% of participants saying they found the simulation realistic and valuable for onboard learning, while 90% stated it improved their understanding of correct procedures.
Following each simulation, learners receive a performance report to support continuous improvement, while fleet managers can access aggregated data from the system to identify trends, knowledge gaps, and potential signs of complacency across vessels and ranks.
