Anglo-Eastern incorporating augmented and virtual reality into seafarer training

Anglo-Eastern showcased the AR and VR training at a media lunch in Hong Kong on Tuesday taking training a step beyond simulators which have become standard fare at many training institutions in shipping including the company’s own training centres.

With AR/VR technology where situations are created or augmented by digital means seafarers are physically able to practise and learns tasks where risk would be involved in real life.

“The learning habits of Millennials are evolving. They love technology and have grown up playing with technology. The immersive experience of learning in virtual reality is thus exciting for young seafarers and provides a safe and risk-free environment in which they can learn experientially and master basic skills before transitioning to real-life situations,” explained Pradeep Chawla, Anglo-Eastern group managing director of QHSE and Training.

“We have captured their imaginations by adopting virtual and augmented reality in our overall training programmes, along with simulators and old fashioned ‘hands-on’ training.”

The ship manager trains 440 cadets Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy in Karjat in India and AR/VR are becoming part of the comprehensive training offered. “VR and AR training are a part of our overall digital transformation journey,” commented ceo Bjorn Hojgaard.