Learning to navigate: the centrality of instructions and assessments for developing students’ professional competencies in simulator-based training

Despite the promises of simulations to contribute to learning in safe-critical domains, research suggests that simulators are poorly implemented in maritime education and training systems. From the current state of research, it is far from evident how instruction in simulator-based should be designed and how skills trained in bridge simulators should be assessed and connected to professional practice. On this background, this article aims to investigate the role of instructions and assessments for developing students’ professional competencies in simulation-based learning environments. The research draws on ethnographic fieldwork and detailed analyses of video-recorded data to examine how maritime instructors make use of simulator technologies in a navigation course. Our results reveal an instructional practice in which the need to account for general principles of good seamanship and anti-collision regulations is at the core of basic navigation training. The meanings of good seamanship and the rules of the sea are hard to teach in abstraction because their application relies on an infinite number of contingencies that have to be accounted for in every specific case. Based on this premise, we stress the importance of instructional support throughout training (from briefing thorough scenario to debriefing) in order for the instructor to bridge theory and practice in ways that develop students’ competencies. Our results highlight, in detail, how simulator technologies enable displaying and assessing such competencies by supporting instructors to continuously monitor, assess, and provide feedback to the students during training sessions. Moreover, our results show how simulator-based training is related to the work conditions on board a seagoing vessel through the instructor’s systematic accomplishments. Finally, our results highlight the close relationship between technical and non-technical skills in navigation, and how these are intertwined in training for everyday maritime operations.     

Quantifying uncertainty in high-resolution coupled hydrodynamic-ecosystem models

Marine ecosystem models are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated, and are being used to estimate the effects of future changes in the earth system with a view to informing important policy decisions. Despite their potential importance, far too little attention has been, and is generally, paid to model errors and the extent to which model outputs actually relate to real-world processes. With the increasing complexity of the models themselves comes an increasing complexity among model results. If we are to develop useful modelling tools for the marine environment we need to be able to understand and quantify the uncertainties inherent in the simulations. Analysing errors within highly multivariate model outputs, and relating them to even more complex and multivariate observational data, are not trivial tasks. Here we describe the application of a series of techniques, including a 2-stage self-organising map (SOM), non-parametric multivariate analysis, and error statistics, to a complex spatio-temporal model run for the period 1988–1989 in the Southern North Sea, coinciding with the North Sea Project which collected a wealth of observational data. We use model output, large spatio-temporally resolved data sets and a combination of methodologies (SOM, MDS, uncertainty metrics) to simplify the problem and to provide tractable information on model performance. The use of a SOM as a clustering tool allows us to simplify the dimensions of the problem while the use of MDS on independent data grouped according to the SOM classification allows us to validate the SOM. The combination of classification and uncertainty metrics allows us to pinpoint the variables and associated processes which require attention in each region. We recommend the use of this combination of techniques for simplifying complex comparisons of model outputs with real data, and analysis of error distributions.     

自主式水下航行器水下回收融合引导技术方案及算法

[目的]为解决母艇携载的自主式水下航行器(AUV)在水下自主回收和对接的问题,基于惯导(INS)、声学超短基线定位(USBL)、光学等信号引导的多源数据融合,提出一种面向移动平台的AUV水下回收对接引导方法.[方法]为此,设计融合多传感器信息的扩展联邦卡尔曼滤波器,采用分散滤波并再经信息融合方法以提高滤波精度.分别以I...     

Simulators in bridge operations training and assessment: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis

This article presents a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of the use of simulators in maritime education and training (MET), with a focus on bridge operations during navigation training and assessment. The review found 34 articles published in a wide range of academic journals, displaying a global field of research consisting of three main disciplines: Maritime professionals (n = 15), Human factors (n = 13) and Education (n = 6). An important conclusion made after synthesising the results of the studies is that while the potential of using simulators in training and assessment are clear, little is known about which instructional practices would ensure valid and reliable results of simulator-based education. Since MET institutions train their students for one of the most safety-critical industries in the world, there is a need for empirical studies that explore the use of simulator-based training and assessment further to lay the foundation for an evidence-based educational practice.     

基于可编程与组态技术的船舶主机操控模拟器

网络、虚拟现实和数据库技术在海船船员实操训练与评估过程中的应用是轮机模拟器发展的热点之一.采用PIMS组态软件搭建具有交互功能主机及其组成系统的场景界面,运用PLC技术设计集控台等物理仿真平台主动力装置的操控逻辑,利用以太网技术建立组态场景与PLC物理平台之间的通信联系,完成软、硬操相结合,以软操为主,具有主机操控训练与故障分析功能仿真模拟器的开发与应用.该模拟器满足评估大纲的要求,经海事主管机关测试,培训机构使用后,取得令人满意的效果.     

航海模拟器的现状与展望

该文根据世界各海运国家现有航海模拟器的现状和它们教学培训中的实际使用情况，以及新修订的１９７８年国际海员培训、发证和值班标准公约中有关航海模拟器教学培训的要求，简要地介绍了航海模拟器的现状及其在教学培训中的应用，并就航海模拟器在日后的发展及其在教学培训中的新应用作了展望。同时还就如何改进和发展我国航海模拟器及相应的教学培训工作，使其适应国内外海运事业发展的需要提出了几点设想。     

Modelling and optimisation of online container stacking with operational constraints

Container transportation plays a critical role in the global shipping network and container terminals need to improve their operations to increase efficiency. Storage yard of a container terminal is a temporary area where the containers stay until they are shipped to their next destination. We concentrate on increasing the efficiency of the storage yard by developing online stacking policies for each incoming container. An unproductive move of a container, performed to reach another container stored underneath, is called reshuffling. The objective in container stacking problem is to minimise the number of reshuffles, thereby increasing the efficiency of terminal operations. Additional weight-related operational constraints bring additional complexity to the online stacking decisions. We propose a mathematical model for the optimal online assignment of an incoming export, transit, import or empty container. We also propose an optimal online stacking policy and compare it with a random policy through simulation. Additionally, lower bounds for the performance measures are obtained through simulation by relaxing the operational constraints of the problem in a third stacking policy. We present and discuss the computational results in terms of four main performance measures.     

基于POE的以太网技术在气象智能传感器中的应用

介绍了一种基于POE的以太网技术在气象智能传感器系统中的应用,着重对基于IEEE802.3af以太网供电工业标准的以太网供电系统（POE）的工作原理和实现方法进行了详细的介绍。系统的供电充分利用了POE技术,在传输数据的网线上同时提供电流,这样大大减少了电源系统的复杂度,同时提高了系统电源设计的可靠性。通过实际系统的测试,系统功能和性能方面都达到了预期的设想。     

基于物元模型-AHP的战场电磁环境复杂度评估

针对复杂电磁环境下军事训练中战场电磁环境复杂度评估的问题,首先分析了战场电磁环境的＂复杂性＂及其定量评估的方法思路,然后针对电磁环境复杂度评估的特点和需求,提出了基于物元模型-AHP的战场电磁环境复杂度评估方法,构建了评估模型,并结合应用实例进一步验证了模型的可行性和实用性,为军事训练中的电磁环境复杂度评估提供了一种有效的方法和途径,对部队准确把握自身训练的复杂电磁环境需求,结合自身特点开展训练具有一定的指导意义。     

基于导频的OFDM系统信道估计算法的研究

信道估计作为OFDM的一种关键技术对系统性能有着十分重要的影响。文章针对LS线性插值和LS二阶插值信道估计算法分别提出了改进,并对这几种算法性能进行仿真。实验结果表明,这两种改进算法在不增加计算复杂度的情况下,有效改善系统的性能。     

Model course to revalidate deck officers’ competences using simulators

In accordance with Part A, Chapter I, Section I/11 Revalidation of Certificates of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 2010 Convention, continued evaluation of professional competence shall be established, among others, by successfully completing an approved training course or courses. Every master, officer and radio operator holding a certificate issued or recognised under any chapter of the convention other than chapter VI, who is serving at sea or intends to return to sea after a period ashore, shall be required, at intervals not exceeding 5 years, to demonstrate continued professional competence, in order to continue to qualify for seagoing service. The main objective of this research is to design a model course using simulation technology to train and demonstrate seafarers’ competence in accordance with the provisions of STCW Code for existing seafarers who need to revalidate their professional maritime certificates also in accordance with the standards governing the use of simulators, Reg I/12 of 2010 STCW Code. The purpose of this revalidation simulation-based model course is to assist maritime training institutes and their teaching staff in organising and introducing specific training courses for revalidation of certificates of competence (CoCs) as well as enhancing, updating or supplementing existing training material where the quality and effectiveness of the training courses may thereby be improved. Only those STCW competences relating to ship bridge simulators will be considered for the model course scenario development and testing.     

训练电磁环境距离压缩构设相关问题研究

针对当前实际构设的训练电磁环境对战场电磁环境的理论逼真度未知,且常因配训装备实际配置距离过近或过远而降低对战场电磁环境的实际逼真度这一问题,基于相似理论基本原理和相似度计算基本方法,明确了采用距离压缩构设训练电磁环境的基本步骤,提出了满足一定逼真度的配训装备配置位置区间确定方法,可为基地训练电磁环境构设提供参考和借鉴.     

浅析海洋工程平台供应船动力定位系统

提要动力定位系统（Dynamic Positioning System,简称DP系统）是一种闭环的控制系统,通过采用推力器和传感器的配合来提供抵抗风、浪、流等作用在船上的环境力,从而使船尽可能地保持在海平面要求的位置上,其定位成本不会随着水深增加而增加,并且操作也较方便.随着船舶电力推进的成熟和自动控制理论的发展,DP系统的性能也不断提高.本文以动力定位2级的海洋工程平台供应船为例,对其DP系统冗余性进行分析.     

New-Level VR Marine Training System

Marine simulator is a valuable and effective medium for maritime education and training and is becoming widespread to foster the qualified and competent personnel for working in the maritime industry.However,many problems with most marine simulation systems today limit their pervasive use:the limited accessibility,immobility,the high expenditure,the long develop- meat cycle,and the difficult maintenance etc.A web-based maritime training environment is proposed in this paper as a new ma- rine training level,which fully combining web technology,VR,high fidelity simulation,and e-learning tools to create a more cost- effective and flexible training environment still with very realistic and high-interactive simulation characteristics,the system will provide a consistent and more flexible training medium for improving maritime education and training.     

船舶模拟电站实训软件的研制

由于当前海事局的“海船船员船舶电站操作评估”仍采用评估员对学员人工评估的方法来完成,这样评估员评定时的人为因素往往会造成学员的评估成绩产生偏差。船舶模拟电站实训软件是在船舶电站操作基础上完成的,通过建立实时电站操作数据库,并连接数据源自动记录学员对船舶电站实训操作的结果。模拟电站实训软件的研制提供了船员电站实操评估的一种解决方案,满足当前高速发展的船员实训评估的需求。     

On-line wave prediction

Operational prediction of wave heights is generally made with the help of complex numerical models. This paper presents alternative schemes based on stochastic and neural network approaches. First order auto regressive moving average and auto regressive integrated moving average type of models along with a three-layered feed forward network are considered. The networks are trained using three different algorithms to make sure of the correct training. Predictions over intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 24 h are made at an offshore location in India where 3-hourly wave height data were being observed. Comparison of model predictions with the actual observations showed generally satisfactory performance of the chosen tools. Neural networks made more accurate predictions of wave heights than the time series schemes when shorter intervals of predictions were involved. For long range predictions both the stochastic and neural approaches showed similar performance. Small interval predictions were made more accurately than the large interval ones.     

基于人工神经网络方法的舰船参数灵敏度分析

舰船参数灵敏度分析不仅为判断各参数的重要性大小提供了依据,量化的灵敏度指标也是后续参数估计的前提。在舰船系统中,参数与舰船综合性能的显式函数关系不易得到,导致一阶灵敏度指标无法直接求取。本文确定了舰船的几个主要参数,建立起了舰船综合性能评估框架,利用人工神经网络的方法,用C语言编制了一套舰船综合性能的评估程序,将已有的数据、专家经验等量化后得到评判指标数值,形成样本,进行神经网络训练,然后通过训练完成的神经网络对各个参数进行了灵敏度分析。     

USV复杂水域环境综合感知技术

从无人水面艇（Unmanned Surface Vessel,USV）所处的工作环境,分析单目摄像头、双目摄像头、海事雷达、激光雷达等传感器的组成原理、优缺点、性能测试。介绍多传感器数据在USV上的融合原理、融合流程及其应用情况。经过实船海上试验,多传感器数据融合指标良好,较好地解决USV在复杂水域安全航行的感知技术问题。所描述的感知技术,对设计和研发搭载不同任务的USV,识别不同工作场景环境,具有积极的参考价值。     

一种有效近似建模方法及船舶耐波性代理模型构建

船舶耐波性能预报计算过程复杂,会受到诸多设计变量的影响;且采用高精度商业软件如CFD预报船舶性能的计算代价非常高。文章采用拉丁超立方方法进行了设计空间抽样。定义了一个新的综合衡准指标来表达船舶耐波性能,即短期和长期作用下船舶非工作时间百分数。考虑了船舶耐波性能中的五个运动方向：横摇、纵摇、转艏、横荡和升沉。为提高船舶耐波性能计算效率,一种有效的近似建模方法—单参数Lagrangian 支持向量回归算法被用于训练并构建代理模型以预报船舶耐波性能,且该算法是由作者在过去的研究工作中首次提出。以海洋平台支援船（OSV）为例,采用SPL-SVR算法预报船舶耐波性能,并与基于NAPA计算仿真结果、人工神经网络和经典支持向量回归算法进行对比。该文考虑OSV的两种速度,建立了海洋平台支援船短期作用下非工作时间百分数的耐波性能响应面模型,结果显示采用SPL-SVR算法建立的船舶耐波性能响应面模型比较适合船型初步设计的工程实际应用,并具有较高的计算效率。