Simulators are playing a crucial role in training fishing crews to fish more safely, accurately and sustainably, explains Martin Reiten of Kongsberg Digital

Simulators are playing a crucial role in training fishing crews to fish more safely, accurately and sustainably, explains Martin Reiten, VP Ship’s Bridge Simulation at Kongsberg Digital.

The fishing industry has changed a great deal in recent years. Not only have fishing vessels become far more advanced in their design, construction and capabilities, but so has the equipment onboard. However, new technology requires a new standard of training if accidents are to be prevented. Unfamiliarity with operational techniques and processes can, in the worst cases, lead to disaster in the extreme working conditions which fishing crews have to endure.

Add to this the increasing global pressure to fish sustainably, avoiding by-catch, where fish of the wrong size and species are accidentally caught in a trawl, and it can be seen that fishing crews have plenty to think about, plenty to do and priorities to juggle – and need to be able to react quickly. The ideal fishing crew combines a solid work ethic with an ability to concentrate regardless of weather conditions and sea states.

It takes a cool head to pursue this occupation with any degree of success. A sea-fishing career requires an exceptionally high level of training to achieve an equally high level of competence; even more so with the IMO’s introduction some years ago of STCW-F certification and minimum training requirements for crews on seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres and above.

Mindful of the complex web of operational, budgetary and statutory obligations any training programme must recognise, Kongsberg Digital’s K-Sim Fishery Simulator has brought a new degree of authenticity to schooling fishing trainees since its launch in 2018. Methodical from the ground up, the simulator satisfies both the STCW-F training preconditions and DNV standards for certification of maritime simulator systems. However, the bare stats can’t possibly convey the breadth of immersive, hands-on educational value the simulator provides.