Fishery Sim Reels in First Place

Kongsberg Digital’s K-Sim Fishery simulator training solution has won the SAFETY4SEA 2020 Training Award. After being shortlisted back in July, K-Sim Fishery was voted into first place by instructors and students who have been impressed by this vessel-specific training resource.

Tone-Merete Hansen, Sr. VP in Kongsberg Digital accepted the prize on behalf of Kongsberg Digital with a speech delivered by video link at a virtual awards ceremony, which was streamed on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn. The K-Sim Fishery satisfied the award criteria by representing ‘… a significant achievement, breakthrough or contribution in… aspect[s] of maritime training.’

In line with newly intensified Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping training requirements, the K-Sim Fishery simulator enables instructors to monitor and evaluate each exercise undertaken by individual users. These exercises can be repeated as many times as is necessary for trainees to attain the mandated standard of competence in operating onboard navigation and control equipment as well as gaining essential winch-handling expertise. By replicating the instrumentation and working environment on the bridge of a fishing vessel in all weathers, sea states and situations, the simulator produces an immersive experience where users can learn from their mistakes without causing any hardship or suffering any consequence.

“We are delighted to receive this recognition for our K-Sim Fishery simulator, which we believe is an essential tool in building a safer, more sustainable and ethical future for the fishing industry,” commented Tone-Merete Hansen. “The power of simulation training to enhance crew safety, best-practice operations, fuel savings and carbon-footprint reduction is clear, and directly relevant to over 50 million people who rely on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. By equipping fishermen with the right knowledge, delivered in a secure, accessible and relevant way, they can build experience with the vessel and equipment, learn to increase the quality and repeatability of their catch, and help to reduce the risk of overfishing.