Features of the simulator for inland navigation

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1 CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR THE NAVIGATION OF THE RHINE STF (12) 21 rev. 4 STF/G (12) 19 rev. 5 MQ/G (13) October 2013 Or. fr fr/de/nl/en COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL ISSUES, EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WORKING GROUP ON SOCIAL ISSUES, EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING GROUP OF EXPERTS FOR THE MODERNISATION OF QUALIFICATIONS Features of the simulator for inland navigation Communication from the Secretariat At its meeting on 10 October 2013, the STF Committee adopted the list of functions shown in the Annexe to this document, pointing out that: - once the methods for using simulators had been decided, the Committee could re-examine the list to check that all the functions required were indeed covered; - there were still a number of questions pending on some of the functions (see item 2 in the Annexe).

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3 Annexe to document STF (12) 21 rev.4 = STF/G (12) rev. 5 = MQ/G (13) 16 Functions of simulators in inland navigation Position at 25 July Chronological background The government experts participating in the STF/G group and the national experts involved in the of boatmasters and the design of simulators met four times starting in 2011 (January, March and May 2011, and May 2012) to draw up a preparatory document describing the functions required for simulators for use in inland navigation. This document was compiled on the basis of a draft drawn up by EDINNA, and formed the basis for discussion at the round-table discussion held on 30 January In connection with these functions, the round-table discussion made it possible to reach the following conclusions: There was a consensus on the value of these simulators during. They could also help to modernise and rationalise boatmasters careers. As such, they were presented as a tool making it possible to improve the quality of for crew members throughout their careers. Simulators could also be used to validate experience in a. Depending on the way they were used, requirements would differ, and this would have an impact on their functions. For example, the content of a course for learners is not the same as a course for seasoned steersmen. The round table made it possible to identify the value and the limitations of simulators as a tool: - There were many advantages: it was possible to practice steersman skills in complex situations (weather and water conditions, etc) by repeating the situation until success was achieved. It was also possible to take mistakes to their full conclusion by analysing their consequences and varying the level of difficulty. - Simulators, like any other tool, had their limitations. They reproduced reality as faithfully as possible. It was likely that the cost of acquiring and developing simulators which reproduced the nautical behaviour of a vessel totally faithfully would be much higher than that of a less exacting simulator. Also, the interaction between the boatmaster and other members of the crew could not match that experienced on board a real vessel. - No specific remarks were made concerning the document on the functions of simulators in inland navigation (ST (12) 21 rev. 1 = STF/G (12) 19 rev. 2 Com. Secr.). 2. Questions still pending The round-table discussion did not make it possible to make any detailed progress on simulator functions, a number of which are still presented in the table as being optional: point on the fitting of a fire alarm, point 1.2.1: 4 or 6 degrees of freedom, point : wave spectra, point 2.1.5: compass. The last two functions are only deemed necessary for maritime navigation.

4 Conclusion This document will evolve in keeping with subsequent work carried out on simulators, more particularly on the different ways of using them, but it constitutes an initial basis for joint work.

5 Inland Waterways Navigation simulator 1 Tasks that the candidate must be able to carry out using the simulator Technical consequences a inservice The candidate will be familiar with the navigation operations of an inland waterway vessel The candidate will understand the operational procedures for the relevant bridge equipment e.g.: - auto pilot (automatic maintenance of direction) in the different operating modes: adjustment of turning speed, emergency steering in the event of a breakdown, etc (see RVIR rules) - radar - electronic chart - VHF radio equipment - anchor controls: circumstances for using anchors, vessel reactions, etc - navigation lights controls, including manoeuvring lights - engine controls, indications and alarms - The simulator must have a suitable mathematical model for simulating the reactions of the vessel when the anchor is or has been dropped. - The control station must be fitted with an anchor button; in general it must correspond to a modern wheelhouse (see item point 2.1.1). NL and D simulators: provision for modelling with mooring anchor and emergency stop B simulator: equivalent modelling designed for maritime simulator; check still required on whether this modelling can be the river simulator F simulator: to be developed in the near future on the basis of an empirical model - bow thruster controls - internal communication equipment - inland AIS - audible signals and blue panels

6 - 2-1 Tasks that the candidate must be able to carry out using the simulator Technical consequences a inservice The candidate is able to navigate in: - clear weather, day, dawn/dusk, and night conditions - restricted visibilities, rain, snow for day, dawn/dusk, and night conditions - different types of waterway (canal, free-running river, etc) - waters with and without current - different water levels - lakes - locks (slopes and lifts, used in B) - estuary and river areas near sea - Define 3 or 4 water levels that can be tested, over several sites of sufficient length and suited to representing the technical difficulties, representing canals, lakes, rivers and seaways; - Give preference to different water level situations rather than diversifying locations for the exercises. Subject to defining the exact program for the - near coastal waters - in conditions with strong wind - Use real navigation sites for s. The candidate is able to communicate in an appropriate fashion with: other vessels - vessel traffic control - navigational civil engineering structures, such as bridges and locks

7 - 3-1 Tasks that the candidate must be able to carry out using the simulator Technical consequences a inservice The candidate must be able to demonstrate his manoeuvring skills on: - passing through a lock - passing under a bridge - crossing a river with current - entering a port from a river with current - passing through a narrow or narrowed stretch mooring and un-mooring in still water and current conditions - turning his vessel into or with the current on a river - anchoring with bow anchors (1 and 2) - anchoring with bow and stern anchors - passing near moored vessels with restricted speed and restrictive manoeuvring - passing and overtaking another vessel (Arts to 6.11 of the RPNR) - reversing The candidate understands the changing manoeuvring capabilities due to changes in: - available water depth in relation to the draft of the vessel - ship s speed - loading condition (laden or empty vessel) - ship s stability (connected with navigation conditions, not load) The mathematical model should take account of two levels of loading laden and empty. Aim: to attest the candidate s understanding of the effects of a manoeuvre on the vessel s stability. - proximity of walls, banks, other vessels (interactions)

8 - 4-1 Tasks that the candidate must be able to carry out using the simulator Technical consequences a inservice The candidate is able to navigate and manoeuvre different kinds of vessels and formations of different sizes: - with one or two propulsion propellers - with a bow thruster - with different engine powers The candidate must be able to calculate a safe passing height for his ship, based on actual water level, bridge (or cable) height and the air draft of a ship. The simulator will show a collision if the vessel cannot navigate safely under the bridge (or cable) in the given circumstances. The actual height of a movable wheelhouse (vertical movable) will be taken into account. The geometric aspect is taken into account, but not the behaviour of the vessel. It is technically difficult to simulate exactly the function of lowering the wheelhouse. On Sandra, this is in fact done by lowering the water level. Is this sufficient? The candidate will be able to perform safe passage under a bridge with the aid of a vertically movable wheelhouse. Changing effects from the vertical movement (lowering and rising of the position of the eye in the visual database, changing radar horizon) will be taken into account The candidate will be able to perform safe navigation according to the existing police regulations applying to the waterway

9 1.2 Models Although the creation of the models is up to the supplier, the compliance matrix is drafted with the following models in mind. 1 Minimum mathematical models for simulators Technical consequences a inservice Hydrodynamic model, with mandatory 6 degrees of freedom : 1. Forward/Backward 2. Left/right 3. Up/down (heave) Deemed necessary for simulating crossing situations, narrowing of navigable channel, and sudden change of hydrography 4. Yaw 5. Pitch Deemed necessary for simulating operating on sea routes 6. Roll Corresponding to the 6 types of movement of the vessel. The six degrees of freedom are considered important, although degree 5 less than the others. D: 6 degrees of freedom NL, B: 4 degrees of freedom (1,2,4,6) F: currently 3 degrees of freedom (1,2,4), 4 th degree (6) being worked on. Only the German simulator is currently capable of simulating heave. The Belgian and French simulators are only capable of representing heave on the basis of empirical formulae. Initially, simulators could represent heave on the basis of empirical formulae Wind model Current model, with current layers allowing different current patterns at different depth under water B and F One alternative consists of using an unladen and a laden vessel with the same current Bottom profile model (hydrography) Tide model Visual models for own ships and other traffic Visual models for navigation area s (visual databases) Dynamic model for interaction between vessels (crossing, etc)

10 Working environment 2.1 Candidate s working position The candidate s working position comprises: 2 Minimum equipment for candidate s working position Technical consequences a inservice The ship s bridge layout and equipment will be in accordance with the rules for construction and equipment of inland waterways vessels for the river Rhine by the Rhine Commission (the Boat Certificates). The wheelhouse will be designed for one-man steering operations. Equipment and consoles are to be installed, mounted, and arranged in a ship-like manner. Controls of propulsion plant operations, including engine telegraph and thrusters. There shall be indicators for shaft(s) revolutions and pitch of propeller(s). There shall be independent controls for all propellers and at least one bow thruster Steering console, including recognized facilities for hand steering and automatic steering with controls for switch over. There shall be indicators of rudder angle and rate of turn. Compass (or repeater) with an accuracy of at least one degree [required in maritime areas]. Configuration of a modern wheelhouse, in compliance with the RVIR At least one inland waterway radar, type approved Communication equipment - Alternative internal intercom - 2 independent VHF radio communication systems, inland waterway type Inland ECDIS, type approved in navigation mode

11 - 7-2 Minimum equipment for candidate s working position Technical consequences a inservice Inland waterways AIS (may be emulated, functionality as in reality), AIS information to be shown on ECDIS and RADAR GPS (Global Positioning System) Echo-sounder Instrument for indication of wind speed and relative force Means of giving the prescribed sound signals, by foot pedal(s) Night-time navigation lights panel, with controls and indication of status Engine alarm system Fire alarm system (optional) Searchlight controllable from steering position Anchoring arrangements The model shall permit realistic visualisation of the vessel s hydrodynamics, including the effects of winds, waves, tides and currents. The model shall permit realistic visualisation of the vessel s hydrodynamics in restricted-width waterways (including the interaction of shallow water, banks, other vessels, and shear currents). The simulator shall include mathematical models of at least five representative types of vessel with different methods of propulsion, including: - one small vessel (may be a tug) - one medium vessel (86 m) - one large vessel (110 to 135 m) - one formation - one 4- barge push array

12 - 8-2 Minimum equipment for candidate s working position Technical consequences a inservice The radar simulation equipment shall be capable of modelling weather, tidal streams, current, shadow sectors, spurious and false echoes and other propagation effects, and must be able to generate river banks, canals, port areas, coastlines, and navigational buoys The simulator shall generate realistic own-vessel engine noises reflecting the power output and sounds from the surroundings and other traffic. The simulator shall be designed in such a way that all mooring procedures are realistic. The simulator must be able to represent at least 10 different types of target vessels. The target vessels shall be equipped with navigational lights, shapes and sound signals, according to "rules of the road" in force. The signals may be individually controlled by the examiner, and the sound signals shall be directional and fade with range. A vessel under way shall generate the corresponding bow- and stern-wave.

13 - 9-2 Minimum equipment for candidate s working position Technical consequences a inservice The simulator shall represent a minimum number of target vessels to reflect a realistic situation for the route. The examiner is able to programme voyage routes for each target vessel individually. Targets should include: - 20 m vessel - 50 m vessel - 86 m vessel m vessel m vessel - 4-barge push array (o: different formations, corresponding to RPNR requirements) - 6-barge push array - fast craft The simulator shall provide a realistic visual scenario by day, dusk or by night, including variable meteorological visibility, changing in time. It shall be possible to create a range of visual conditions, from dense fog to clear. The simulator will visually as well as on radar show the effects of rain and snow. The visual system shall replicate the movements of the vessel being handled. The viewing system shall allow fluid, realistic animation for the intended exercise.

14 Minimum equipment for candidate s working position Technical consequences a inservice It shall be possible to use binocular systems for observations and bearings. Lateral cameras The visual system shall present the outside world by a view around the horizon (360 degrees). The horizontal field of view may be obtained by a view of at least 240 degrees and where the rest of the horizon may be panned (to move the "camera"). This may be done with the binocular system The visual system shall present at least 30 degrees of vertical field view. In addition by any method, it shall be possible to observe the ship's side and the dock during mooring operations The visual system shall present all navigational marks according to charts used The visual system shall show objects with sufficient realism (detailed enough to be recognized as in real life) The visual system shall show mooring and towing lines with sufficient realism. Mathematical model simulating cable tension and vessel s reaction Function with mathematical model available on NL, D and B simulators. F: visual representation, but no mathematical model yet The current model, with current layers allowing different current patterns at different depths beneath the vessel shall influence the behaviour of the vessel in a realistic way.

15 Minimum equipment for candidate s working position Technical consequences a inservice Tidal heights will be available, time dependant according to a real situation for that area. The simulation shall include the depth according to charts used, reflecting water level according to tidal water situation. The simulator may, as an option, provide at least two different wave spectra, variable in direction height and period (navigation at sea). The simulator shall contain at least one ship model with a telescopic wheelhouse showing the effects in eye point in the visual projection and in the radar images. The simulator wheelhouse shall provide for sufficient space for observation of the candidate s actions. Not done in France. Only possible on a simulator with the six degrees of freedom. Optical effect imitating the movement of raising or lowering the wheelhouse is sufficient.

16 Examiner station The operator/examiner station has the following functions: 2 Minimum equipment for examiner s station Technical consequences a inservice Creating new exercises and save them for future use. Possibility of selecting from a set of pre-programmed stored exercises, including the chosen TSHD model as well as the environment, including: - Other ships - Water depth - Bottom type and profile - Time of day - Visibility - Wind - Current - Different navigation sectors (see 1.1.3) Starting exercises Monitor the performance of the candidate, including video image of the bridge operations. Freezing a running exercise and starting it again from the frozen point in time. Record exercises, discussions and activities taking place in the wheelhouse for subsequent playback (including bridge operations). Place bookmarks during an exercise that will facilitate quick moving to the bookmark during debriefing.

17 Minimum equipment for examiner s station Technical consequences a inservice All relevant data for debriefing shall be logged (including a survey map of the situation prior to the exercise start as well as a survey map after the exercise is stopped). Additional station(s) must be available for the operator/examiner to be physically separated from the candidate s wheelhouse. The operator/examiner station shall be equipped with at least two VHF radios and intercom equipment to communicate with the candidate. The operator/examiner will be able to see what VHF channel the candidate is working on. The operator/examiner shall be able to see what intercom station the candidate is calling. The operator/instructor shall be able to influence the tracks of pre-programmed targets for optimal interaction between the candidate s own vessel s behaviour and the behaviour of other vessels in an appropriate fashion (usual track for upstream and downstream traffic according to navigation points and at realistic speeds. The behaviour of targets (manoeuvring characteristics) will be realistic. The simulator shall cover areas of waterways representing the technical difficulties to be assessed. Exercise areas shall be available, where the relevant operations can be carried out for the different models. The visual databases shall cover at least the sectors of navigation mentioned in point The operator/examiner shall be able to introduce environmental effects during the exercise (wind, reduced visibility, weather conditions, brightness). Sandra: no provision for this function. NL, B, F: provision for this function.

18 2.3 Debriefing station The examiner will be able to do a proper debriefing, using a separate debriefing station, or when ergonomic use will allow it use the operator/examine station for debriefing: # Item Technical consequences a inservice Freezing a running exercise and starting it again from the frozen point in time. Record exercises for playback. This includes the recording of video of the bridge operations. Place bookmarks during an exercise that will facilitate quick moving to the bookmark during debriefing Debriefing will log all relevant data for debriefing. 3 Operational Parameters A large number of operational parameters are used during the simulation process. The list of these parameters shall contain: - all the parameters to be the various situations, - all the parameters used by the examiners during an, e.g. environmental effects, - parameters used during actual simulation, and - parameters storage and debriefing. The full list of parameters that may be modified by the examiners and those that need to be available during debriefing will be defined as the basis for the simulator certificates for the s. ***

NAEST(M) training Course Structure and Session Objectives. Day Introduction and enrolment

NAEST(M) training Course Structure and Session Objectives Day 1 0830-0930 Introduction and enrolment 0930-1330 Effective Bridge Procedures & Rule of the Road Lecturer will go through the PowerPoint on