Overview
In November 2010, ADAS launched the world’s first Offshore Diving Supervisor Training Simulators. The simulators were created by adapting existing airline and maritime simulator concepts specifically for the diving environment. The system is designed to provide trainee supervisors with a realistic learning environment, and provide the opportunity to simulate emergencies that may occur in the real environment, without a diver ever getting wet.
Traditionally commercial divers are at increased risk because the quality of supervisor training is severely limited by the cost and practical difficulties of providing realistic operational diving scenarios in an accessible, safe and controlled training environment.
The diving supervisor simulators provide a cost effective way to deliver training and provide experience that can’t be gained ‘on the job’.
Simulator Design
The diving supervisor simulators are housed in purpose built 20 foot shipping containers, which are capable of transport by sea, rail or road. Each container houses an offshore air and bell diving control panel, and a dedicated instructors station.
The simulators control panels contain real hardware components, and the system uses video and audio to create an immersive learning experience. The simulators do it all – alarms, gas analysis, diver depths, calculate gas consumption rates and manipulate gauges accordingly, simulate and regulate gas flow rates, simulate the diver video as well as all offshore communication systems.
A dedicated simulator operator is able to run any number of scenarios, and is able to manipulate those scenarios, providing a real time experience to the trainee.
Purpose
The ADAS dive supervisor simulators provide trainee supervisors with access to an e-learning resource that emulates both standard operations and emergencies that may occur in the real environment.
They improve access and accelerate learning, making new supervisors job-ready sooner while supporting existing supervisor’s skills on new or safety critical procedures. Students are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deal with real time emergencies and issues in the simulated environment.
The simulators feature induction, assessment and support materials which are available through an integrated learning management system, accessible directly from the simulator screen or via the internet.
Offshore Supervisor Panel Time
The ADAS simulators are also available to assist offshore supervisor applicants build up their panel time, or ensure their knowledge and skills are up-to-date. As ‘Class A’ simulators, the ADAS simulators can be used to gain panel hours for both air supervisor and bell supervisor applicants at a highly favourable ratio.
Offshore Air Supervisor:
Applicants are able to gain a maximum of 60 panel hours and 30 surface dives which can be obtained by 30 hands-on hours experience in the simulator.
Offshore Bell Supervisor:
Applicants are able to gain a maximum of 105 panel hours and 15 bell runs which can be obtained by 53 hands-on hours experience in the simulator.
Availability
There are currently two simulators available for use, both are leased by OMNE Marine Training Centre (OMTC), New Zealand. One is located in New Zealand and the other in Singapore.
The simulators are used in the regular onshore supervisor training taking place at the establishments and are also available for verification of competency of supervisors by employers and companies.
The simulators are run by the above training establishments and all enquiries for use should be made through the establishments. Trainees or companies may provide their own supervisor to supervise the panel time however discussions regarding these options should be discussed with the training establishments..
Simulator users will be provided with a training plan and will be asked to sign an agreement prior to the beginning of their first session.
To find out more information about the simulators such as availability and cost, please contact either OMTC or ADAS.