Improving collision avoidance

The Standard P&I Club, in combination with Videotel Marine International, has launched a CD-ROM based training package aimed at improving collision avoidance at sea. The creators say the Windows-based package provides an interactive means of ensuring bridge officers and other crew members are able to apply the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea in real traffic situations. The CD-ROM training package is split into three sections: Rules of the Road at Sea ensures that the International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea (ColRegs) have been learned and understood. A database of multiple choice questions is used to assess and develop knowledge of the ColRegs. The Guided Simulation section consists of 21 difficult traffic situations in which the user is offered a choice of action at a critical time. The programme provides instant and detailed feedback on each possible answer, says its creator Videotel. The visual scenes, radar and navigational data along with the different ships? manoeuvring characteristics are taken from realistic simulations, says the company. The Full Simulation section graphically recreates a series of live scenarios in which the user has to make decisions in real time, using the view from the bridge and the ship?s radar to guide the ship through traffic. The CD was developed in consultation with Standard Club members, some of whom have already tested it with their crews, says Videotel.