The Tribune

A simulator which will allow Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel to train for difficult and dangerous real-life situations will be the latest equipment to be delivered as part of the force’s $232m Sandy Bottom Project.

A recent co-operation agreement between Damen and VSTEP has been established for the delivery of a NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge Simulator with Alphatron Marine equipment to the RBDF. The delivery is part of the Sandy Bottom Project, which sees the Defence Force acquire a range of Damen patrol vessels, upgrade its existing fleet and develop its port and base infrastructure.

The Netherlands-based VSTEP is renowned throughout the maritime industry for its suite of state-of-the-art DNV certified simulators, which facilitate training in compliance with all design criteria, class and IMO requirements. VSTEP, working closely with Damen Services Training department, will develop four simulated vessels for use in its custom simulator. Pushing the boundaries of maritime simulation, the results of this collaboration will involve the seamless digital recreation of the whole of the Bahamas, including nine detailed ports.

The project will see VSTEP deliver the latest version 3.0 of NAUTIS featuring improved graphics, advanced ship dynamics and increased accuracy and visual fidelity of the sea, allowing for the most realistic training possible.

Damen Sales Manager Alan Borde, said: “The incorporation of the simulator package was an instrumental part of the overall Sandy Bottom agreement. It will give the RBDF the ability to recruit and train new cadets annually in a professional manner. The synergy between the simulator training, the familiarisation training we have already completed and the general commonalities between the different classes of vessel and the bridge systems will provide longevity and increase the patrol capabilities of the RBDF.”

VSTEP CEO Pjotr van Schothorst, said: “The crews of these new vessels will be trained on the simulator for situations which are difficult or dangerous in real life, which makes them well prepared. They can train for ship handling and manoeuvring, and prepare for various operations relevant in their area.”