Opinion

Simulators in Marine Pilot Training: AMPI Position Statement


by Australasian Marine Pilots Institute - published on 18 October 2024 2850 -

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 The Port Phillip Sea pilots launch Torquay out and back again, seen at Point Lonsdale, Vic, Aust.

published on 17 March 2025

The Port Phillip Sea pilots launch Torquay out and back again, seen at Point Lonsdale, Vic, Aust.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

0

Opinion AIMPA - The need and it´s Ideals

by Capt. Gajanan Karanjikar - Founder President - AIMPA - published on 12 February 2021

The formation of the All India Marine Pilot Association was a task which was required at any cost. The hurdles of Morale ground were noticed and one such organization was then decided to be formed by Group of Mariners who care for ’safety and security’ of the Pilot.

0

Video Battling the North Sea: Pilot Transfers in choppy seas

published on 13 November 2025

Join us out in the North Sea as we take on another challenging day aboard the pilot boat, transferring pilots to and from massive ships in choppy seas. 🌊 Watch as we battle the swell and spray, timing every approach perfectly to safely board and disembark pilots onto moving vessels in tough conditions. From cargo ships to car carriers, this video gives you a front-row seat to life at sea — where precision, teamwork, and nerves of steel are essential. 📍 Filmed off the North East Coast of...

0

Article Mapping Safe Maritime Pilotage: Understanding Complexity in Maritime Pilotage

by University of York - published on 9 February 2026

University of York: Here, Dr Kate Preston explains why we need to fully understand the complexity maritime pilotage before we can integrate technology like autonomy.

0

Article Colombo Dockyard delivers two pilot launches built for Sri Lanka Ports Authority

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 30 December 2019

Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) at a ceremony held on Monday delivered two Pilot Launches as per an Agreement signed with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 1st February 2019.

0

Video Maritime Analytics: The breadth of AIS usage | 10 November 2021

published on 15 November 2021

The growing influence of AIS data and analytics has shed the light on the increasing demand for new, smarter solutions in the maritime domain. During this interactive session, we discuss with AIS industry experts how we can take oceans of data and turn it into streams of actionable intelligence for better decision-making and more efficient and transparent shipping.

0