Service

Ship Handling Simulator Training

Safe maneuvering in today’s maritime environment requires more than experience—it demands disciplined judgment, precise vessel control, and coordinated bridge teamwork under dynamic conditions.

Our Ship Handling Simulator Training programs are designed to strengthen operational competence across all levels of bridge responsibility. We provide structured development for junior Navigating Officers, Class-approved BRM/BTM programs, and advanced maneuvering courses for Masters and licensed Pilots.

Training is conducted on our proprietary 360-degree full-mission bridge simulator, developed by Japan Marine Science Inc., capable of realistically reproducing vessel response characteristics, traffic density, restricted waters, tidal currents, and reduced visibility conditions.

Each course follows a structured methodology of briefing, scenario execution, and professional debriefing. Participants refine situational awareness, decision-making logic, speed management, tug coordination, and risk-based maneuver planning—ensuring that skills developed in simulation translate directly into safer real-world navigation.

Purpose

To develop disciplined ship-handling judgment and operational readiness, enabling Masters, Navigating Officers, and Pilots to execute safe and controlled maneuvers in complex maritime environments.

Ship Handling Training

Safe ship handling demands disciplined judgment, precise vessel control, and effective bridge coordination.
Our simulator-based Ship Handling Training is designed to strengthen these core competencies through realistic, high-fidelity scenarios reflecting actual operational conditions.

The program is open to Masters and Navigating Officers (Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch: OOW), as well as licensed Pilots, regardless of vessel type or trading area. Participants operate in dynamic traffic environments, restricted waters, tidal currents, and reduced visibility, practicing controlled speed management, tug coordination, thruster utilization, and risk-based maneuver planning.

Each course follows a structured process of briefing, simulator execution, and professional debriefing. Under the guidance of experienced maritime instructors, participants refine decision-making processes, enhance situational awareness, and reinforce practical maneuvering competence that directly supports safer real-world operations.

Training

01

Ship Handling Training Program for Masters

Eligibility：Masters and senior Navigating Officers
Focus：Advanced berthing and unberthing, tug coordination strategies, controlled approach in confined waters, and traffic-congested passage planning
Duration：1–2 days

Training

02

Ship Handling Training Program for Marine Pilots

Eligibility : Licensed Marine Pilots
Focus : Precision maneuvering under port constraints, advanced tug handling, and complex harbor operations
Duration : 1–2 days

Training

03

Watchkeeping Training

Eligibility : Navigating Officers (OOW)
Focus : Bridge watchkeeping discipline, COLREG application, VHF communication, lookout coordination, and controlled speed management during port approach
Duration : 2 days

BRM/BTM Training

We offer comprehensive Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Bridge Team Management (BTM) training programs designed to strengthen safe and effective navigation through the optimal integration of bridge resources—personnel, equipment, and information.

Conducted in a structured simulator environment, the training emphasizes leadership, communication, situational awareness, and sound decision-making under realistic operational conditions. Participants assume operational roles such as Master, Deck Officer, and Helmsman, developing a practical understanding of individual responsibilities and coordinated bridge team performance.

Through scenario-based exercises and guided debriefings, participants enhance their ability to manage risk, maintain shared awareness, and execute safe navigation as a cohesive team.

Course

01

3-Day Course

Eligibility : Masters and Deck Officers holding a valid Certificate of Competency.
Course Content : Advanced application of Bridge Resource Management (BRM), focusing on leadership, situational awareness, effective challenge-and-response techniques, and systematic cross-checking procedures within realistic bridge scenarios.
Participants : 3–5 persons per course

Course

02

2-Day Course (Basic)

Eligibility : Masters and Deck Officers of ocean-going and domestic vessels (Engine Officers may participate in domestic vessel programs).
Course Content : Fundamental BRM principles, bridge communication practices, leadership awareness, challenge-and-response techniques, and structured cross-checking methods.
Participants : 3–4 persons per course

Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) Course

The Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) is a qualification established under the Japanese Pilotage Act, permitting eligible Masters with sufficient navigational experience to be exempted from compulsory pilotage within designated pilotage districts.

Japan Marine Science Inc. is an institution authorized by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to conduct the official PEC course. The course consists of formal instruction and competency assessment to verify that candidates possess the required local knowledge, navigational judgment, and ship-handling proficiency necessary for safe independent operation in the relevant pilotage district.

PEC Ship Handling Simulator Assessment

This simulator-based assessment is conducted for each designated pilotage district in accordance with the requirements of the Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) system under the Japanese Pilotage Act.

The session, approximately 120–180 minutes per designated area, is designed to verify the candidate’s local knowledge, situational awareness, and ship-handling competence required for independent navigation without a pilot.

Schedule (Planned)

AM Session : 09:00–12:00
PM Session : 13:00–16:00

Assessment Structure
10 minutes:Orientation and Explanation of Procedures
15 minutes:Passage Planning and Briefing
15 minutes:Competency Verification Exercise
60–120 minutes:Simulator-Based Examination
10 minutes:Review and Evaluation
10 minutes:Issuance of Assessment Record / Completion Documentation