Students at the Maritime Institute Mercator in Ostend can now gain additional practical experience thanks to a new maritime simulator. Unveiled this week in the presence of Flemish Minister of Fisheries Hilde Crevits, this innovative simulator enables students to practice navigating in poor weather conditions as well as other challenging scenarios without having to actually go out to sea.

The simulator represents a valuable addition for students in the maritime navigation, maritime fishing, and maritime techniques deck programs. Thanks to this simulator, students from the Maritime Institute in Ostend will get to experience realistic scenarios and should immediately be able to improve their skills in terms of navigation, communication, and decision-making at sea. In addition to gaining practical experience, the students will also earn partial certificates that will assist them in their future careers. Furthermore, the simulator will allow them to practice both simple scenarios for learning basic skills and complex situations that will help them master crisis management and navigation.

This project was partially made possible thanks to the support of DEME, which is one of the sponsors of this advanced maritime simulator. “Supporting this initiative is crucial for us at DEME because it aligns with our commitment to fostering the next generation of maritime professionals. By providing students with access to cutting-edge technologies, we are helping to ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges of the maritime industry and that they can contribute to its future success,” said Hans Casier (Chief HR Officer).