DNV revises simulator systems standard

New function areas and new technologies for real operations, as well as statutory requirements, must be covered in all learning programmes. Under the validity conditions of DNV SeaSkill Learning Programme Certificates, all real, virtual and cloud-based simulators used in training and examinations are now also required to be DNV certified.

“Training is an extremely important safety barrier for shipping, and for DNV to certify training schemes and the latest methods of distance learning is yet another great example of our commitment to safety at sea,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, chief executive of DNV Maritime.

A cross-industry project with simulator suppliers and end-users was created to develop a new simulator class D for all function areas covering cloud-based distant learning simulators with virtual reality requirements.

The standard was first introduced in 2020 and this latest revision focuses on replacing hardware with a software-enabled virtual reality. The new class now divides between (a) interactive, synchronous, continuous online instructor-led simulation and (b) detached, asynchronous student-led simulation or a combination of (a) and (b) when operated synchronously or asynchronously.