PC Maritime introduces Navmaster ECDIS for Training

PC Maritime, a member of the Charente Group, has introduced Navmaster ECDIS for Training - a simple-to-use system designed to deliver training in the operational use of ECDIS on standard PCs and computer networks. The training package has already been acquired by a leading Dutch maritime educational establishment, the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz at Terschelling.

Navmaster ECDIS for Training allows users such as marine colleges or in-house trainers to enhance navigational safety by teaching the safe operation of ECDIS equipment, the proper use of various types of ECDIS-related information as well as knowledge of the capabilities and, equally crucial, the limitations of ECDIS. The system is straightforward to install and operate.

The key benefits of Navmaster ECDIS for Training are spelt out by David Edmonds, Managing Director, PC Maritime:

"One of the key benefits of Navmaster ECDIS for Training is that network installation allows classes of many students to be taken at once. It is also type-approved, up-to-date with all current regulations and supports the full range of official chart formats - ENC, CM-ENC, ARCS and BSB. It provides excellent route management and planning tools and actual voyage data can be replayed.
"Navmaster ECDIS for Training can be interfaced to NMEA simulator programs and connected to actual bridge instruments such as GPS, gyro, speed log, ARPA and AIS."

Navmaster ECDIS for Training at work in the classroom


Being used on a 30-station network in a Dutch maritime college, Navmaster ECDIS for Training is straightforward to install and operate

Navmaster ECDIS for Training was recently installed at the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz, Terschelling on a 30-user network. According to Nico Booij, Senior Lecturer at the Institute, its contribution to training the next generation of seafarers cannot be underestimated:

"Our new Navmaster ECDIS training system allows us to take classes of 24 students at once, making the teaching process far less time-consuming. Currently we train approximately 60 of our own students during the third and fourth term of their second year, although in future students will use ECDIS from the beginning.
"In addition, we take students from other schools in groups of about 14-20 every week. Students returning from their six month practical period use the system frequently for preparation and presentation."

Options available

Navmaster ECDIS for Training allows users a range of available options to maximise benefits, says Mr Edmonds.

"Training in this important technology is most certainly not a case of 'one size fits all' which is why we are offering a range of options so purchasers can acquire the right equipment to back up their particular training goals."

The range of current options includes:

• Radar video overlay with PC radar card;
• Multi-user version for use in a classroom;
• Admiralty TotalTide integration for worldwide tidal height and stream;
• Tidal atlas display (UK continental shelf).

Approvals

Navmaster ECDIS for Training conforms to IMO Res A817(19) as amended, IMO Res A694(17) and IHO Presentation Library v3.3. It is type-approved by DNV and Germanischer Lloyd.