VR Training & Maritime Safety

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation that creates an immersive, three-dimensional environment where users can interact with virtual objects and scenarios as if they were real. By wearing a VR headset equipped with motion-tracking sensors, users are visually and sometimes physically transported into a digital world that responds to their movements and actions in real time.

In the maritime and offshore sectors, VR can be used to:

• Simulate vessel operations, training crew members on navigation, equipment handling, and emergency procedures without the risks associated with real-life drills.
• Enhance safety training, allowing workers to experience hazardous situations in a controlled environment to better prepare them for actual emergencies.
• Improve accessibility, providing training opportunities regardless of the trainee's physical location, which is particularly beneficial in an industry where personnel are often spread across the globe.

A Brief History of VR Training in the U.S.

VR training has been evolving in the United States since the 1990s, though it was initially utilized primarily in research and military applications due to high costs and technological limitations. The adoption of VR accelerated in the 2010s with the introduction of affordable headsets like the Oculus Rift, leading to widespread use across various industries, including education and corporate training.

In the maritime and offshore oil and gas sectors, VR training began gaining traction in the mid-2010s, with companies like Kongsberg Digital and VSTEP developing specialized simulators. By 2019, there was significant growth in the use of VR for maritime training.

Today, VR training is increasingly becoming a standard component of training programs in the maritime industry, but it must be accomplished in a balanced way that combines technology with real-world experience.

VR Training Applications in the Maritime Industry

According to a report by Lloyd's Register, VR training can reduce training costs by up to 50% and improve retention rates by 75% compared to traditional methods.

In the maritime and offshore industries, VR training offers immersive simulations that replicate real-life environments and scenarios.

This may include:

• Emergency Response Drills: Simulating fires, explosions, and evacuation procedures without risking lives.
• Equipment Operation: Training on complex machinery like cranes, drilling equipment, and navigation systems.
• Navigational Training: Practicing vessel maneuvering in various weather conditions and sea states.
• Safety Protocols: Reinforcing compliance with international maritime regulations and safety standards.

The adoption of VR technology in maritime training offers numerous benefits. It can provide realistic scenarios that traditional training methods cannot replicate, including high-risk scenarios without actual danger. Trainees receive instant evaluations of their performance, helping them improve their skills quickly. VR is also accessible and provides a consistent training experience for all employees, regardless of location.

Negative Implications of VR Training

While VR offers numerous advantages, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations and potential drawbacks.

Lack of Real-World Experience

• Sensory Limitations: VR cannot fully replicate the physical sensations of being on a vessel, such as the movement of the sea or the feel of machinery.
• Emotional Preparedness: Trainees may not experience the same stress levels they would in real emergency situations.
• Overreliance on Technology: There's a risk that employees may become too dependent on virtual scenarios and be unprepared for unpredictable real-world variables.

Technical Issues

• Equipment Failure: Malfunctions can disrupt training and reduce effectiveness.
• Software Limitations: Outdated or poorly designed simulations may not accurately reflect current industry standards or equipment.

Some users may experience discomfort or disorientation during VR sessions, and prolonged use of VR headsets can lead to visual fatigue.

Comprehensive Training Matters

Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide comprehensive training that prioritizes safety above all else. They must adhere to accepted standards and regulations, regularly update training programs to reflect the latest technology and safety practices, and allocate sufficient resources to ongoing training.

While VR is a powerful tool, it should complement—not replace—traditional training methods.

This can be accomplished by:

• Integrating VR with real-world drills to ensure that trainees are well-rounded and fully prepared.
• Providing hands-on assessments to confirm that skills learned in VR translate effectively to real-world applications.

Our Commitment to Maritime Safety

We live in a world where technology has never been more advanced, yet accidents still occur with alarming frequency in the maritime and offshore industries. At Arnold & Itkin, we believe that every worker has the right to a safe working environment, which includes comprehensive and effective training.

The integration of VR training in the maritime industry is a positive development that holds great promise for enhancing safety and efficiency. However, it is not a cure-all. Real-life experience, situational awareness, and hands-on skills remain irreplaceable components of effective training.

Maritime employers must recognize that technology is a tool to augment, not replace, traditional training methods. Cutting corners puts lives at risk and opens the door to severe legal consequences.

At Arnold & Itkin, we're committed to ensuring that maritime workers receive the training, equipment, and support they need to stay safe. We stand ready to hold employers accountable when they fail in this fundamental responsibility.