VSTEP to Supply Simulators for Dutch Training Center

Iskes Towage & Salvage signed an agreement with VSTEP for the delivery of two NAUTIS Tug and Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) simulators. These simulators are the first units purchased for the new Iskes/Damen Training Centre set up in the new Iskes office building at the port entrance to the ports of the Amsterdam Northsea canal area.

VSTEP will initially provide a 360-degree NAUTIS Full Mission Tug Simulator and a 240-degree NAUTIS Desktop Trainer to the training center. At a later stage these Tug and OSV simulators will be expanded with another 360-degree Full Mission Tug Simulator so that a complete exercise scenario with the assisted vessel and two tugs (one at the stern and one at the bow) can be conducted. The center will initially be used for internal training with courses offered for external parties starting second quarter 2014.

Jim Iskes owner of Iskes Towage & Salvage said “For a number of reasons we wanted a tug simulator. First to train new crew: we are confident that the simulator will decrease the time needed to train new masters and chief officers. But also – and very important – the simulator will provide us a tool to train emergency situations and to sail under difficult circumstances such as heavy winds and dense fog.”