Opinion

Simulators in Marine Pilot Training: AMPI Position Statement


by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute - published on 18 October 2024 2754 -

Picture and text by AMPI found on LinkedIn

One of AMPI’s core missions is to advocate for the safety and well-being of marine pilots, and an essential part of that work is developing Position Statements. These statements represent many hours of research and development and ensure that our members' needs are front and center as we engage with industry stakeholders. Through these efforts, we strive to improve working conditions, safety standards, and the overall quality of the profession.

Our latest Position Statement focuses on the use of simulators in pilot training. Released just a couple of weeks ago, it addresses the role that simulators can play in enhancing pilot skills while highlighting the importance of real-world experience. We encourage you to read through it and leave your thoughts below.

AMPI continues to push for improved safety measures and better conditions for our members.


As the maritime industry faces growing challenges, such as increasing ship sizes and reduced entry into the profession, the use of marine simulators in pilot training has become an important topic. AMPI is pleased to share our latest position statement which stresses that while simulators are powerful tools, they must be used appropriately and not as a replacement for on-water experience.

AMPI advocates for the use of high-standard simulators to maintain safety and effectiveness in training programs. Incorporating simulators thoughtfully into pilot training can boost safety and preparedness, but they should be seen as part of a broader training approach.

What are your thoughts?
Editor's note:
Opinion pieces reflect the personal opinion of individual authors. They do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a prevailing opinion in the respective editorial department. Opinion pieces might be deliberately formulated in a pronounced or even explicit tone and may contain biased arguments. They might be intended to polarise and stimulate discussion. In this, they deliberately differ from the factual articles you typically find on this platform, written to present facts and opinions in as balanced a manner as possible.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Webinar - Port & Pilot supplied ECDIS routes and passage plans

published on 29 January 2021

The Australasian Marine Pilots Institute is presenting a webinar via Zoom about ports providing ECDIS routes and passage plans to ships as part of the pre-arrival process.

It will take place on Thursday 11 February 2021 at 19:00 AEDT (08:00 UTC) and is free for AMPI/IMPA/UKMPA/NZMPA members. Non-members are also welcome to attend.

2

Article "SAFE Passage" Journal by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute

by Frank Diegel - published on 10 March 2021

Download PDF here

0

Article Safe Passage - Edition Winter 2021

by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute - published on 21 July 2021

In this issue:
- Feauture Article - Threat an Error Managment
- Presidents Report
- Pilot Boat Special Reviews

1

Video Smart Sound Plymouth: Britain’s platform for innovative marine technology development

published on 30 June 2021

Dr James Fishwick, Head of Smart Sound Plymouth gives an introduction to Smart Sound Plymouth and explains how it can be accessed and the equipment available.
This is a recording of the webinar given on the 17th June and is the second in a programme of webinars organised by Plymouth City Council which showcases the thriving marine sector in Plymouth, UK.
You can view the full programme of webinars and register for them here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/oceansgate-marine-technology-webinar-...

0

Video Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

published on 1 July 2022

Built by Luke Powell and his working Sail Yard in Truro, Cornwall, launched in February 2020. The lines were taken from the Vincent, a Falmouth Pilot cutter built in 1852 for the Vincent family of St Mawes. She worked for 70 years as a pilot boat, finally retiring in 1922 and ending her days as a houseboat on the Percuil River very close to the yard where she had been built. When the idea to build a new pilot cutter of considerable size was born, the lines of Vincent were seen as the...

1

Video Ship manoeuvring in port MT Eagle Asia 09

published on 13 October 2020

Berthing DG berth PBCT ,Penang, Malaysia.
#marinepilot #shiphandling #manoeuvre #port #seaman #tug #ship #marine

0

Article Help needed: For better visibility of the pilot work

published on 26 November 2025

This is a tribute build to a work life at sea. It is adventure. It is history. And it is modern story of a work life for many people around the world. Vote here!

1

Opinion Leadership in Pilotage: Strategic Command and Navigational Mastery

by Maritime Pilot Abolfazl Farajnezam - published on 11 February 2025

Among the few marine professions that purse a man's technical skills and value very high, maritime piloting perhaps is in a class of its own. In this career, the pilot is entrusted to maneuver vessels through some of the most challenging and congested waterways while ensuring seamless integration between shipboard operations and port infrastructure.

3

Video Presentation of manned ship models at Port Revel Shiphandling Training Centre

published on 24 October 2019

Port Revel is used for shiphandling training of maritime pilots, masters and officers on a 5 ha lake with 11 manned model ships representing 20 vessels, and 4 tugs at scale 1:25 and DGPS tracking system. Instructors are former maritime pilots.
Training on the scale models provides experience that could never be gained on real ships for the simple reason that neither ship-owners nor local authorities would allow such risks to be taken. Scale models allow the shiphandler to make mistakes....

0

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

0