Safer Ocean Systems Invests in New Lifeboat Simulator from Virtual Marine
Safer Ocean Systems Invests in New Lifeboat Simulator from Virtual Marine
April 7, 2025 – Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Virtual Marine is pleased to announce the successful delivery of a full mission lifeboat simulator to long-term customer, Safer Ocean Systems (SOS) based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The system will be used for initial and refresher training for lifeboat coxswains in compliance with Transport Canada and the International Maritime Organization’s Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
Representing the latest generation technology from Virtual Marine, the open configuration twinfall lifeboat simulator comprises a full mission coxswain helm, equipped with both main display and VR visualization options. Integrated full mission hook trainers representing the forward and aft falls of the twinfall lifeboat provide a fully integrated training experience, allowing coxswains to practice safe procedures for the launching, operation and recovery of survival craft. Equipped with authoring tools, the instructor station allows for the creation of a wide range of lifeboat scenarios, enabling experiential learning in situations too dangerous to teach onboard real lifeboats, such as launching at night in 5-meter seas.
SOS Managing Director, Capt. Ryan Masson said, “We have been an active member of the Virtual Marine user community for many years and continue to use their NetSimTM electronic navigation software as part of our training programs. Our recent expansion into Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) led us back to Virtual Marine, who is the clear industry leader in lifeboat simulation. We view this as an important investment in proven Canadian technology that will help us achieve our market targets and to deliver the high standards of training we have become known for.”
Clayton Burry, VP Sales with Virtual Marine, said “We are delighted to be working with SOS on this important project, which will allow them to further develop their markets in British Columbia and beyond. Their recent expansion into a new training facility in Nanaimo, together with a second site equipped with a fire training ground on Gabriola Island, signals continued growth for the company. New regulatory approvals at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have created options for marine training providers as they transition away from real boat coxswain training to simulation.”
In addition to meeting the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) lifeboat training requirements, the system is also capable of hosting an optional rescue boat payload, which also meets IMO training requirements under STCW. Virtual Marine’s open configuration lifeboat simulator is specifically designed to accommodate additional payloads, whilst re-using the lifeboat simulator hardware, maximizing both system applications and customer investment.
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About Virtual Marine:
Virtual Marine specializes in the development of state-of-the-art maritime safety training simulators. Its simulators offer skill enhancing, hands on, realistic, risk-free training. The ability to frequently practice in realistic scenarios using simulation technology is proven to increase the confidence and competence of seafarers. Virtual Marine is a manufacturer and supplier of a full range of safety and survival simulation training systems to global markets.
About Safer Ocean Systems (SOS):
Safer Ocean Systems is a privately held marine training provider, based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. SOS has just expanded its operation by moving into a new training centre in Nanaimo and adding a new fire training ground on Gabriola Island. SOS is primarily involved in providing STCW training and has been an early adopter of simulation technology.
Contact:
Clayton Burry, VP Sales, Virtual Marine Technology Inc.
clayton.burry@virtualmarine.ca
Capt. Robert Oakes, Chief Operating Officer, Safer Oceans Systems Ltd.
robert@saferoceans.com
