Opinion

Simulators in Marine Pilot Training: AMPI Position Statement


by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute - published on 18 October 2024 2875 -

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 Falmouth Pilots: Working as Maritime Pilot (Documentary 2019)

published on 30 March 2022

Documentary from 2019 by "The Sea Lad"

1

Article NZ Taic releases Report on 2018 Bulker grounding in Bluff Harbour

by Baird Maritime - published on 16 October 2021

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand (TAIC) has released its report on the incident involving the grounding of a foreign-flagged cargo vessel at Bluff Harbour on November 28, 2018.

0

Opinion ‘There’s a smaller window for error’

published on 28 June 2021

Captain Andre Smith shares risks facing marine industry

1

Article Work profile of maritime pilots in Germany

published on 27 December 2021

Long and irregular shifts, unforeseeable operations and high responsibility are still prominent in the job of a pilot and pose high psycho-physical demands.

1

Video Rare insight into the work of Iranian pilots

published on 10 May 2021

Footage from Iran

0

Video Third Kewatec Pilot 1630 to Gdansk Pilot in Poland

published on 3 June 2025

The 16.3-meter aluminium pilot boat includes features aimed at performance and crew safety: • Twin Caterpillar C18 engines (2 x 400 hp) • Traditional shaft and propeller system • Top speed of 25 knots, cruising at 22 knots • Air suspension seats, autopilot, and interceptor system • Heated decks, rails, and windows • Crew accommodation for six • Galley for two and diesel heating for cold-weather operation • 2 x 1300-liter fuel tanks for extended range “This is not just a boat. This is a...

0

Opinion The IMPA Pilot Ladder Poster: Suggestions for Improvements

by Arie Palmers - published on 31 December 2020

In this article I would like to share my thoughts on this pilot ladder poster. Is it as good as we think or is there room for improvement? By taking you through this poster step by step I hope to explain what needs to be changed to make it similar to IMO an SOLAS regulations.

3