Sheikh Sultan inaugurates SMA’s Marine Simulation Centre

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, on Wednesday, the Marine Simulator Centre building at the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) in Khorfakkan for basic and postgraduate studies.

During his visit, Sheikh Sultan had the opportunity to tour the academy's advanced laboratories and simulation rooms. One of the highlights was the virtual engine room simulator, which enables students to simulate the experience of managing a ship's engines and monitoring the energy and pressure levels on board.

The integrated cockpit simulator comprises 25 models of ports from different parts of the world and 20 ships of various types. It is primarily used as a training tool to simulate sailing scenarios. This helps the students to get acquainted with the cockpit and understand the role of a captain. The command centre simulator mimics real command centres for managing oil facilities, rigs, and offshore refineries. In addition to teaching students how to respond to emergencies, rescue survivors of accidents, and extinguish fires on other ships.

During the meeting, His Highness was briefed on the specifications of simulator rooms. These rooms can be controlled via a control panel, which allows for the selection of natural phenomena, wave heights, and marine manoeuvres. Furthermore, the simulator rooms are equipped with various scenarios that help prepare students for actual scenarios in the oceans.

The simulation rooms are equipped with the latest and most advanced gadgets that help enhance the student's skills in controlling the ship from the cockpit. These gadgets include navigational systems, directional control devices, voice control, and large screens that display the ship's itinerary. Additionally, the screens help the students understand how to deal with different weather conditions during the voyage.

WAM