Local institute preps sailors

By Tammi Slater | Corridor Inc. Staff Writer

Originally published June 2007

Eric Friend (left), department head of navigation systems and technology, with Glen Paine, executive director of the Maritime Institute of Technology, at the helm of the institute’ s newest simulator. Photo by Christopher Myers.

     It’s a realistic experience made possible at the Marine Simulation Technology Center, part of the Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies where students are at a ship’s helm operating a high-tech control board.     

     The 300-square-foot center, which opened its new simulator in March, is the primary training center for military, pilots and civilian mariners.

     “Simulators are part of the process to enhance experience through training for the next generation,” said Glen Paine, executive director of the institute, which has used simulators as a learning tool since the early 1970s.

     Once every four years the simulators are upgraded to keep up with technology.

     Today, the new $2 million simulator offers the latest technological advancements, Paine said.

     “Simulators accelerate the knowledge curve,” he said. “[They are] unique to Maryland and bring a human element into training.”

     The simulator, enclosed within a 360-degree and 40-foot high curved projection screen, can create the sights, sounds and movements of wind, rain, snow, fog, thunder, lighting and currents. The simulator enables students to learn boat, tug, barge and channel navigation, towing, ship handling and how to react to changing weather conditions.

     The simulator can tip left to right, rumble and move up and down to allow students to get a real life experience of being out to sea.

     Students train using state of the art photo-textured graphics, advanced ship maneuvering capabilities and an integrated bridge system that uses a joystick and control system.

     In addition, the institute has a classroom where students can plot a ship’s course. A wall size navigation map with red flashing lights allows students to see a ship’s position and estimate proper navigation.

     Michael R. Lewis, a retired Navy commander and senior communications systems engineer with Northrop Grumman Corp., said the institute and its amenities “have come a long way.”

     “I’ve been through the simulator 15 years ago and the technology now is amazing,” he said. “Now you have visual effects, computers, advanced simulation and it’s not limited.”

     Simulators have expanded the institute’s client and student base, attracting those working to move up in their careers, said Captain Bob Becker, academic business development manager of the institute.

     “There’s a gap right now between the young, inexperienced guys and the older computer fellows,” he said. “We are trying to bring them up to the higher level.”

     Firms like the Vane Brothers Co., a Baltimore-based tug boat operator, and Princess and Carnival Cruises often send their employees to the institute to train on the simulators, said Becker.

     “We’ve seen an increase from companies who would like to set up training for their employees since getting simulators,” he said. “Now, with simulation, the younger guys learn at a young age how to handle the ships and you didn’t have that before.”

     The institute’s training programs also offer training in areas such as ship and port simulation, pilot and tug operations, towing, fire fighting, emergency medical response and security planning.

     “With what’s needed in the industry we had to go a step further for training in order to compete,” said Becker.  “We also had to find another source of revenue so we had to go to this extent with simulators and it fit our background well.”

     Enrollment has increased with the technological upgrades. In 2006, the institute offered 528 classes and had 3,359 enrolled attendees, said Becker.

     “We’re looking pretty close to matching our enrollment numbers for this year and we’re hoping to exceed them,” he said.

     Currently, continuing education classes account for 95 percent of the institute’s training, said Paine.

     The industry is a critical one, he added.

     “People forget there’s a whole seaport out there,” said Paine. “Water is the last thing people think of and it’s a clean, safe and efficient mode of travel. It’s a can-do industry,” he said.

     But many people in the general public do not understand its importance, Paine added.

     “Why shouldn’t Americans work in this field? You can work two weeks, have off two weeks and live anywhere in the world and make a good living,” he said. “It’s a different lifestyle but a rewarding one.” <