Sharjah's Ruler Launches State-of-the-Art Marine Simulation Centre at SMA

On Wednesday, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the doors to the new Marine Simulator Centre at the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) in Khorfakkan. This state-of-the-art facility is designed for both basic and postgraduate studies, marking a significant milestone in maritime education within the region.

During his visit, H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan explored the academy's cutting-edge laboratories and simulation rooms, which are equipped with advanced technology to provide students with a realistic learning environment. One of the standout features of the centre is the virtual engine room simulator, which offers students a hands-on experience in managing a ship's engines and monitoring its energy and pressure levels.

The Marine Simulator Centre boasts an integrated cockpit simulator that includes 25 models of ports from around the globe and 20 different types of ships. This tool is essential for training students in various sailing scenarios, helping them familiarize themselves with the cockpit and understand the responsibilities of a captain. Additionally, the command centre simulator replicates real-life command centres used for managing oil facilities, rigs, and offshore refineries. It teaches students how to handle emergencies, rescue accident survivors, and extinguish fires on other ships.

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan received detailed briefings on the specifications of the simulator rooms during his tour. These rooms are controlled via a panel that allows instructors to select natural phenomena, wave heights, and marine manoeuvres to simulate realistic ocean scenarios. The aim is to prepare students for real-life situations they may encounter at sea.

The simulation rooms are not only about replicating real-world scenarios but also about equipping students with the necessary skills to control a ship effectively from the cockpit. They feature advanced navigational systems, directional control devices, voice control, and large screens that display the ship's itinerary. These screens are particularly useful for teaching students how to navigate different weather conditions during their voyages.

This investment in advanced simulation technology underscores Sharjah's commitment to enhancing maritime education and training. By providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools, the Sharjah Maritime Academy is setting new standards in maritime education, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the maritime industry.

The Marine Simulator Centre at SMA represents a significant leap forward in maritime training and education. With its comprehensive range of simulators and advanced training tools, it is poised to become a key player in shaping the future of maritime professionals not only in Sharjah but across the region.

With inputs from WAM