Photo Zuzana Prochazka
WORK
Alternate REALITY
T
here’s a new resource available for crew
spond correctly to a ship’s changing situa-
training at the Orange Coast College
tion. The training is in compliance with a va-
Professional Mariner Program in Newport
riety of national and international standards
Beach, California. The program just acquired
and expands on basic STCW simulations.
and launched the Navi-Trainer Professional
The NTPRO 5000 can be used for navi-
A sophisticated new simulator elevates crew training in Southern California.
5000 (NTPRO 5000) that enables training
gation watch organization, and maneuvering
for certification of watch officers, chief offi-
and control of a variety of vessels, including
cers, captains, and pilots. It’s bound to be a
those equipped with two full-rotary electric
boost for U.S. West Coast superyacht crew
vinto-steering columns. Specialized course-
By Zuzana Prochazka
who need training and refresher coursework.
work is available upon request. The size and
The navigation simulator, built by Helsin-
type of boat can be specified, and conditions
ki-based Wartsilla, is the most up-to-date
such as a snowstorm or giant seas can be
simulator in Southern California. State-of-the-
simulated with very realistic results — down
art computer graphics provide highly realistic
to the seasickness, if you’re extra focused.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For commercial mariners, contact: Sarah Hirsch, Director, Waterfront Campus professionalmariner@occ.cccd.edu +1 949.258.8918 For college programs, contact: Karen Prioleau, Program Coordinator/Faculty Kprioleau@occ.cccd.edu
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TRITON NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
marine environment models, scenario ob-
Launched in 2009, OCC’s Professional
jects, and special effects for correct situational
Mariner program has trained more than 300
awareness training and communication exer-
students. The NTPRO 5000 represents a
cises. The system provides realistic, cost-ef-
significant investment and brings a height-
fective procedural and operation simulation
ened level of sophistication to the overall
and instruction for individuals and groups.
program. For commercial mariners, both the
It’s available for equipment familiariza-
bridge simulator and the navigation lab are
tion, refresher training, communications
available for customized training, so West
optimization, and competence assessment.
Coast-based crews can save time and mon-
Resource and bridge management training
ey by keeping their crew local rather than
reduces errors and helps teach crew to re-
sending valuable resources back East. ‹
