June 2009 - Marine Technician Training simulator opens at Devonport
The Navy’s new training simulator - Marine Engineering Synthetic Training Environment (MESTE) – was opened at the Devonport Naval Base by Commodore Pat Williams on 2 June 2009.
"The commissioning of the MESTE simulator brings us closer to our vision of being the best small nation Navy in the world," said Commodore Williams at the opening.
"The Navy is bringing 7 new ships into service and moving to a period of higher operational activity, all of which will place new demands on engineers and ship operators. We recognised that simulation was the future for this kind of training and we set out to build a facility that gives our people the opportunity to learn new skills and test them in a challenging and realistic environment."
Image right: The Marine Engineering Synthetic Training Environment, MESTE, is used to train Navy ship crews in an interactive full simulation setting (MC 09-0173-002).
MESTE replicates the operation of ANZAC and Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) machinery, bridge and power systems. Using state of the art computer simulation, combined with realistic bridge and control room environments. The $5M Marine Engineering Synthetic Training Environment (MESTE) will enable the Navy to train marine technicians in realistic situations, without risk to people or ships.
The development of MESTE was initiated by the Fleet Personnel and Training Organisation in 2005 as part of an initiative to address critical shortages in trained Marine Technicians (MT) and meet the Navy’s Strategic Goal 1 “Every position manned with the right person by 2014”.
In future, trainees will gain their marine engineering operating certificates on the MESTE simulator, and will then have the certificate endorsed on Ship specific platforms. Using this method training will be accomplished in considerably shorter periods without the associated impact on the operation of ships and significantly reducing the training bottleneck.
Above Image Left: The Marine Engineering Synthetic Training Environment, MESTE, is used to train Navy ship crews in an interactive full simulation setting (MC 09-0173-011).
Above Image Right: The Marine Engineering Synthetic Training Environment, MESTE, is used to train Navy ship crews in an interactive full simulation setting(MC 09-0173-008).
Training benefits:
Training in machinery operation and emergency break down situations in a simulated environment has many benefits, including decreased training periods, increased trainee competency and an ability to push scenarios beyond the realms of what one can experience on actual running equipment. For example, students can practise total electrical failures up to 10 times an hour, pushing the trainee to their limit.
The purpose built simulator facility comprises of:
- An Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS) classroom for generic training
- 2 Machinery Control Rooms (MCR)
- A Main Power System (MPS) room for switchboard training
- Machinery Local Operating Panel (LOP) room for systems and machinery emulation, and
- An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Bridge for full mission simulation.
Through demonstrations, scripted scenarios and guided tutorials, the simulator provides individual and team training on ship specific systems. Full mission simulation offers the ability to conduct “whole ship” evolutions through the integration of bridge and navigation simulation in a scenario based assessment. Assessment and evaluation of a trainee or team’s performance is possible with the use of an event recording and video footage for debriefing purposes. Team and full mission readiness training focuses on defect and operational scenarios and allows for the assessment of watch competency, leadership and supportive behaviours and team dynamics.
The MESTE simulator built by TRANSAS, in partnership with ENL and BECA, is modelled on the ANZAC frigate and the OPV specific platforms and includes two generic merchant vessels. The simulators combine software and hardware trainers and have the ability to conduct platform familiarisation training, operational and diagnostic training and individual and team (ship specific) training.
Platform familiarisation training:
Platform familiarisation training is achieved by using computers to emulate both generic and ship specific platform systems. Real-time modelling enables replication of the propulsion plant and auxiliary systems, main power distribution including shore power and all damage control and hotel services.
Operation and diagnostics training:
Students will practice system diagnostic and operation training utilising the simulated IPMS, with the assistance of emulated consoles, controls, equipment and part task trainers, which have the appearance, characteristics and functionality of the real world parent equipment and systems.
The introduction into service of the MESTE signifies a significant step for Technical Branch training. The systems based approach towards training operating certificates, taught through emulation and simulation will surpass the more traditional methods of evaluation and training conducted at sea.
The MESTE simulator is housed in the Maritime Warfare Training Centre building at the Devonport Naval Base.