PC Maritime launches engine room simulator

PC Maritime, a UK developer and supplier of software, has launched a new engine room simulator that can run on a standard PC. The Unitest MED3D engine room simulator is claimed to be the first PC-based simulator on the market for training students in modern computer-controlled engine room operations.

The system simulates a 4-stroke medium speed main engine, three diesel generators and a controllable pitch propeller, together with reduction gear, fuel system, steering gear, cooling system, lubricating system, compressed air system, steam system, sanitary water and bilge and sewage treatment plant. Multi-channel digital sound effects include engine sound correlated with engine speed, a diesel generator starting and running, open indicator valve sound, alarms and machine telegraph buzzers.

Anne Edmonds, PC Maritime?s marketing director, said: “This is a major new product with incredibly lifelike graphics. It is a complete training product on its own and it can be used by colleges who have major simulator installations for low-cost introductory training.

“MED3D is the most advanced 3D PC-based engine simulator to be released. Its innovative visualisation and zoom techniques allow quick and easy access to basic engine room operation, such as opening and closing valves or setting switch positions. The 3D visuals are interactive and fully integrated with the mathematical model of the engine and all its associated systems. Some competing products have 3D images but these are not integrated with the actual simulation; they operate in parallel to the simulator and therefore are in effect pictures to be looked at. MED3D is unique in providing true virtual reality.”

The MED3D simulator is an addition to PC Maritime?s existing suite of Unitest simulator systems which include steam engines, slow speed, medium speed and turbo diesel engines. These simulators are designed and developed by academics who understand procedural training requirements, targets, and the learning ethos. The engine models are based on generic engine room equipment, rather than being type specific, to provide broader training and all are supplied with instructor software so they can be used in stand-alone mode, or in supervised mode interacting with an instructor.