General information

VSTEP offers integrated solutions combining Nautis simulation software with different hardware configurations, to suit your budget and training requirements:

• Software Only – Use Nautis simulation software on your own computer hardware.
• Desktop Trainer – A cost-effective single user trainer combining Nautis simulation software with standard computer hardware and a desktop console.
• Classroom Configuration – Link up to 20 Desktop Trainers in a classroom configuration to cost-effectively train large numbers of students simultaneous. An optional Instructor Station offers instructors real-time control over training exercises and facilitate multi-user training exercises.
• Console Trainer - Integrating Nautis simulation software with a single or triple screen console set-up offers additional realism to the training experience.
• Full Mission Bridge Simulator – Combine bridge consoles with Nautis simulation software in a DNV Class A or B compliant simulator, based on the IMO STCW convention. The FMBS integrates advanced bridge consoles with a full 120, 270 or 360 degree simulator experience using either projection or high-end flat screen visualisation technology.

All Nautis simulators run on standard computer hardware meeting the required specifications and can be coupled with other nautical equipment such as ECDIS, using the build-in NMEA 0183 protocol interface.

Application range

Nautis simulators allow complete training of a wide range of maritime skill areas:

Navigation:
Passage planning and execution
Ship handling and manoeuvring
Collision avoidance regulations
Navigation in confined waters and open sea
Tug assistance

Emergency Response:
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Man Over Board (MOB)

Naval/Coastguard applications:
Mission rehearsal
Communication with flags & morse lights
Handling of high-speed small craft
Anti-piracy training

Management level:
Bridge Team Management
Ship Management

All Nautis simulators include a wide range of exercise areas and vessels, each with a superior level of detail. A suite of flexible editor tools allow instructors to quickly and easily prepare training scenarios and manage exercises in real-time.

Exhibition and museums

The console trainers are very suitable for interactive public demonstrations at places like exhibitions and museums. One or more stand-alone missions can be prepared, which have a link to the museum or exhibition topic. Especially the faster, more manoeuvrable vessels are suitable for this purpose. A clear Start button can let visitors use the simulator without outside help.

Research on ports and port modifications

In combination with the NAUTIS Instructor Station, studies can be carried out for port entry with different sizes of vessels, and different weather conditions. With the Environment Editor tool, currently under development at VSTEP, it will be possible to modify parts of a port, or create new ports, and test their accessibility by different ship types. With the Ship Dynamics Editor, a component of the Instructor Station, it is possible to change a vessels loading condition and hydrodynamic properties.

Fuel Efficiency Awareness

Inland cargo vessels, which often have a set loading or unloading time, can save fuel by not sailing at full speed, but at a lower speed, needed to arrive at the destination port just in time. NAUTIS can show the trainee how much fuel is used at a given sailing speed and loading condition. The amount of money saved by sailing at the optimised speed can be shown to the trainee, which will lead to a greater awareness on such travel speed optimisation.