Opinion

Simulators in Marine Pilot Training: AMPI Position Statement


by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute - published on 18 October 2024 -  3534 -

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

Article Lock in Kiel-Holtenau is back in operation after accident

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 September 2020

According to WSA Kiel-Holtenau: The northern chamber of the Great Lock has been put back into operation. Both chambers are available to the shipping industry.

2

Article New Study on GNSS Interference in the Baltic Sea

by GPSPATRON Sp. z o. o. - published on 12 March 2025

GNSS interference has become a growing challenge in the Baltic Sea, affecting maritime navigation, aviation, and critical infrastructure. While numerous datasets and services, such as gpsjam.org, spoofing.skai-data-services.com, and flightradar24, report high-altitude GNSS interference based on ADS-B data, there is a significant lack of studies focusing on ground-level interference.

3

Article PTR Holland Group Joins RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program

published on 19 August 2025

PTR Holland Group partners with RightShip to elevate pilot transfer safety through the Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program.

0

Video Maritime Safety Week - Pilot Training (UK)

published on 6 July 2021

At the Port of London Authority, an immersive pilot simulator is designed to continuously train and assess pilots to maintain quality and skills in the industry.

0

Article Eemslift Hendrika is secured – will be towed to safe harbour

published on 8 April 2021

The Norwegian Coastal Administration mobilized according to their contingency plan against acute pollution, salvage crews managed to get on board the drifting vessel Eemslift Hendrika and managed to connect it to the two tugboats, and the vessel is now being towed to harbour in Ålesund.

0

Video Harbor Pilot Boarding at Norfolk Virginia

published on 3 May 2020

After passing Norfolk Virginia Naval Base, the Pilot boat Steven Mc. Allister brought the Harbor Pilot, the Pilot boat got alongside and the Harbor Pilot boarded safely and guided the vessel towards the berth/terminal.
#NorfolkHarborPilot #NorfolkPortsmouth #VirginiaMarinePilot

1

Video Super Pilot Boat | Updated Design | 32

published on 16 February 2022

Iurisci Shipyard Abruzzo Superyachts

0