This innovative CD-ROM based training product, consists of three sections, Rules of
the Road at Sea, Guided Simulation and Full Simulation.
The first section ensures that the International Regulations for Prevention of
Collision at Sea (the ColRegs) have been learned and remembered. The Rules of the
Road Section uses a database of multiple choice questions to appraise how much
the user knows about 5 different categories - recognition of lights, shapes and sound
signals, the use of radar, and manoeuvring rules. The user is given a score (positive
or negative) for each category. The program then supports learning in these subjects
by reprising the questions with guidance on the correct answer. It then offers a
further assessment and a report upon completion. The full text of the ColRegs is
also accessible to challenge and inform the user.
In the Guided Simulation section, 21 difficult traffic situations have been selected
which have often led to casualties in the past. The visual scenes, radar and
navigational data, and the ships' manoeuvring characteristics are taken from
realistic Sindel simulations. Three different ship types are used and the sea areas
include coastal areas in or near the Singapore Straits, the English Channel and the
approach to Inchon in South Korea. In each scenario the user is offered a choice of
action at a critical time. The optimum choice should result in an acceptable CPA. The
other alternatives are likely to prove less satisfactory or be clear breaches of the
ColRegs. The program provides detailed feedback for each possible answer and
stresses the main teaching points of each scenario.
Full Simulation requires users to have the Sindel ShipSim simulation package. In
the Full Simulation section, the starting points are the same 21 difficult traffic
situations. However in this case the user has all the information available to a bridge
watchkeeper and is in full control of his or her simulated ship. The same ShipSim
package can be used to run other simulation exercises.
This is a challenging and innovative package that bridges the gap between
classroom teaching and practical collision avoidance at sea. It will provide an
instructive means of ensuring that navigating officers are able to apply the Colregs
in real traffic situations.
Proven knowledge of the 'Collision Regulations' has always been vital for all bridge
watchkeeping officers. Today’s requirement for quality operations in line with the
ISM Code and STCW’95 means that deck officers can be asked to demonstrate their
proficiency in the subject.
Videotel is pleased to announced the upgrade and expansion of our 'Rule of the
Road' computer based training package (CD-ROM), which has been a best seller for
several years. The new version is designed to take advantage of modern technology
to provide enhanced comprehensive training and assessment.
'Rule of the Road' is designed to be used in conjunction with the International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) to help understand them more
clearly and to test knowledge.
The package consists of different multiple choice question quizzes (selecting from a
bank of over 800 questions). The package quizzes are set out in six sections:-
Rule Contents
Steering & Sailing Rules
Ships Lights and Shapes
Distress Signals
Sound Signals
Radar & Rules
There are three modes of operation:-
Tutorial: Here, questions incorrectly answered will appear again until all
answers have been correctly answered. The collision regulations may be
referred to at any time with help to find the correct answer
Test: Here, each question is asked only once with the collision regulations only
available after a question has been answered
Assessment: Here, each question is asked only once. Incorrect answers are
negatively marked
During all quizzes, the score is displayed. A final score and report is given at the end
of each quiz. A Student can enter his or her name and can access their previous 10
scores. The scores can be printed.
The package includes 10 short assessment tests consisting of 10 questions.
This CD-ROM package is designed for use by seafarers of all ranks and those who
work in and around ports, including port controllers (VTS). The subject areas covered
are IALA Buoyage System (Both regions), International Port Signals and COLREG
Rule 9 - Narrow Channels.
The package is divided into four main sections:
Learning Units: This consists of 6 learning units - each containing text,
interactive illustrations and short quizzes to test and reinforce learning
Quizzes: The quizzes are multiple choice; both order of questions as well as
options are randomised. In addition many of the questions have additional
randomly selected features included. The questions include day and night
recognition, top marks and safe side to pass. Score and percentage are displayed
throughout the quiz and at the end the user is given a summary of the marks
achieved. A detailed summary can be printed out (along with the users’ details if
previously entered).
Modes of testing: Tutorial: Any question incorrectly answered will randomly
appear again - thus reinforcing the learning. All questions must be answered
correctly before the quiz terminates.
Test: Each question is asked only once.
Assessment: The same as Test Mode but - any wrong answers will be negatively
marked. This is to discourage guesswork. The user does have the option to pass
on a question
International Port Signals: There is a tutorial and a quiz. User selects mode of
testing
Quick Reference: The user can display selected pages for quick reference. The
areas covered are buoyage, marking new dangers, buoyage in ice regions, Lateral
buoyage regions, and general information
This CD-ROM package is designed to meet the requirements of those studying for
STCW levels of signalling. It consists of tutorials, practical demonstrations, brief
guides and a series of tests. The user can select the range of signals and mode of
testing. If he/she is logged in, the program will record results.
There are three modes of testing: tutorial, test and assessment. An on-screen timer
is available to help users improve their speed of signal recognition. If a question is not
answered within the selected time it is marked as incorrect with a time-out mark.
The tests cover all aspects of signalling:-
Flag Signalling
Morse signalling
Coding and Decoding (Note: the International Code of Signals Book is required)
Signals between Ice Breakers and Assisted Vessels
Signals Assessment
Reference Guides
In addition to the above the program includes the following reference guides:-
A brief guide to the ICS Book
A brief guide to coding and decoding
Signals between Ice Breakers and Assisted vessels
Display flags in selected range
Intership flag signalling tutorial and demonstration
Display Morse symbols for selected range
Intership Morse light signalling tutorial and demonstration
Results
These are displayed continuously throughout the quiz and at the end the user may in
addition to just receiving a percentage and comment view a mark sheet detailing the
questions answered correctly, incorrectly or passed on (not known). If the user has
logged in to the program (i.e. entered their name) then the result will be recorded.
Results may be printed out, and a logged-in user can view their latest 10-recorded
scores.
On standalone machines results will be recorded locally and on networks where the program is accessed via the server – results are stored centrally.
Electronic charts can offer many benefits to navigation, including better navigational
safety and accuracy, improved situational awareness and easier chart updating. This
training package looks at the legislative background and its terminology, and
compares and contrasts the Vector and Raster systems. It also stresses that to
operate these systems properly and take advantage of the many features offered
requires good training on the equipment and an awareness that the traditional skills
of deck officer watchkeeping remain crucial to safe navigation.
The video serves both as an introduction and as a reminder to deck officers of the
basics of Automatic Radar Plotting Aids.
The video does not dwell on one particular manufacturer’s product for although the
various ARPA’s have many differences they also have a great deal in common in
order to comply with IMO Regulations and Performance Standards.
The introduction of AIS is now being implemented and many seafarers will rapidly
have to become acquainted with the capabilities and operation of the system.
AIS is a technically sophisticated system dependent on GPS positioning information
and VHF radio. The essence of the system is that each vessel fitted will automatically
broadcast its identification, position, speed, course and other data to all similarlyequipped
vessels and shore stations within a distance of about 30 nautical miles.
Although the technology which drives AIS is well-established, there are still many
areas to be defined. The different manufacturers have not adopted common
standards for the equipment and AIS information may be displayed in various
formats. There are also uncertainties as to how AIS will be used in practice, and how
its use might ultimately affect the Collision Regulations.
So the video focuses on:
Explaining the technical principles of AIS, assisted by computer graphics, showing
various brands of equipment and types of display on a range of vessels.
Suggesting ways in which AIS might assist collision avoidance, and airing the
current thoughts of those experts and practitioners most concerned with its
development.
TheThis new Videotel training package provides an introduction to the three major technologies which make up Target Tracking Devices and describes the relationship between them. It covers Automatic Radar Plotting Aids, (ARPA); Automatic Identification Systems, (AIS); and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, (ECDIS) and demonstrates how these technologies are increasingly being integrated into displays.
The Target Tracking Devices training package is aimed at the deck team and consists of a DVD with workbook and an interactive CD-ROM program. It incorporates original dramatic and probing techniques. Simulated incidents are acted out and explained with an ethnic mix of people in varying situations and different locations.
Using a dramatisation of a near miss at sea to illustrate how misreading information on displays can lead to dangerous situations, the DVD, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of each technology and emphasises the importance of using them together to mitigate weaknesses. The theme of ‘cross checking information’ is a re-current theme throughout the programme and includes advice on how to balance information from displays with that of other instruments, such as Log and Gyro as well as visual sightings.
The use of ARPA systems is described in depth, with emphasis on its prime role for collision avoidance at sea. The programme explains the proper use of True and Relative Vectors, True and Relative Motion as well as North Up and Head Up displays. It goes on to demonstrate the use of the ‘Trial Manoeuvre’ facility to predict outcomes.
Ground and sea stabilisation are covered together with an explanation of the differences between Radar and GNSS positioning.
In summary, key messages are highlighted; a warning never to trust any one technology completely and firm encouragement to always relate information on the displays with what is visible to the eye.