Tone-Merete Hansen, Sr. VP in Kongsberg Digital accepted the prize on behalf of Kongsberg Digital with a speech delivered by video link at a virtual awards ceremony which was streamed on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn on Tuesday, October 20^th. Presenting the award, Romanos Rodopoulos, Head of Maritime Academy and a board member of category sponsor Metropolitan College, noted that the award recognizes “the contribution of Kongsberg Digital to the technological evolution of maritime education. The K-Sim Fishery simulator complies with STCW training requirements, DNV GL certification standards and the UN Sustainability Goal 14.”

SAFETY4SEA is widely regarded as an influential source of global shipping news with an unswerving emphasis on stories which promote and engender maritime safety, sustainability, regulatory compliance and pivotal developments in smart technology. The K-Sim Fishery simulator training solution exemplifies these values, providing trainees with a safe, environmentally-responsible and high-tech means of gaining all the operational skills and experience they will require when tackling their job roles on fishing boats in the real world.

In line with newly intensified STCW training requirements, the K-Sim Fishery simulator enables instructors to monitor and evaluate each exercise undertaken by individual users. These exercises can be repeated as many times as is necessary for trainees to attain the mandated standard of competence in operating onboard navigation and control equipment as well as gaining essential winch-handling expertise. By precisely replicating the instrumentation and working environment on the bridge of a fishing vessel in all weathers, sea states and situations, the simulator produces an immersive experience which is effectively indistinguishable from the real thing. The main difference, of course, is that users can learn from their mistakes without causing any hardship or suffering any consequence.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition for our K-Sim Fishery simulator, which we believe is an essential tool in building a safer, more sustainable and ethical future for the fishing industry,” commented Tone-Merete Hansen. “The power of simulation training to enhance crew safety, best-practice operations, fuel savings and carbon-footprint reduction is clear, and directly relevant to over 50 million people who rely on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. By equipping fishermen with the right knowledge, delivered in a secure, accessible and relevant way, they can build experience with the vessel and equipment, learn to increase the quality and repeatability of their catch, and help to reduce the risk of overfishing.

“We would like to commend SAFETY4SEA for their ongoing work in highlighting and advancing topics and innovations which will shape a safer and more sustainable future for our oceans; and we would also like to thank everyone who voted for us to win the Training Award.”