The Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) is set to enhance its simulator-based training programmes following a five-day maritime simulator instructor course conducted at the CINEC Maritime Campus in Sri Lanka. The training provided valuable knowledge and practical skills in the effective use of maritime simulators for instruction, assessment and learner development.
Building Competence Through Simulation
The programme, based on the principles of IMO Model Course 6.10, focused on how maritime simulators can be used as safe and realistic learning environments where students can develop operational skills without exposing vessels, personnel or the environment to risk.
Training covered simulator fundamentals, lesson planning, briefing techniques, learner monitoring, emergency scenario management, debriefing methods and competency-based assessment.
A key focus area was the engine-room simulator, which demonstrated how simulation can bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world machinery operations.
Effective Simulator Training Requires More Than Technology
One of the major lessons from the course was that successful simulator training depends on four essential elements:
- Suitable simulator equipment
- A structured training programme
- Learner readiness
- Competent instructors
The training highlighted that simulator technology alone is not enough. To achieve meaningful learning outcomes, simulators must be supported by well-designed curricula and trained instructors who can effectively guide and assess learners.
Progressive Learning Through Engine-Room Simulation
The engine-room simulator training emphasised a structured learning approach in which students progress through different stages:
- Familiarisation
- Procedure Practice
- Integrated Operations
- Emergency Handling
- Formal Assessment
This progression allows learners to build confidence and competence gradually before dealing with complex machinery faults and emergency situations.
For students in Marine Mechanics and Marine Engineering programmes, simulator-based learning offers opportunities to practise machinery operation, alarm response, troubleshooting and decision-making within a controlled environment.
Focus on Assessment and Debriefing
The course also reinforced the importance of distinguishing between training and formal assessment.
During training sessions, instructors may guide learners and provide feedback. During assessments, however, learners must demonstrate competence independently under standardised conditions.
Participants were introduced to assessment methods based on measurable performance criteria and objective evidence, including simulator data logs, alarms, checklists and instructor observations.
Particular emphasis was placed on debriefing, where learners review their performance, analyse decisions and identify areas for improvement. This stage was identified as one of the most important components of simulator-based learning.
Benefits for the Seychelles Maritime Academy
The knowledge gained during the training will support SMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen practical, competency-based maritime education.
Simulator training offers learners the opportunity to:
- Practise procedures repeatedly
- Build confidence and operational competence
- Experience realistic scenarios safely
- Improve decision-making skills
- Strengthen teamwork and communication
- Demonstrate readiness before working in real shipboard environments
The programme also highlighted the potential for improving practical assessments through controlled and repeatable simulation exercises.
Proposed Development of a New Simulator Curriculum
A key outcome of the training is the proposed development of a dedicated simulator-based curriculum at SMA.
The curriculum would include clearly defined learning outcomes, structured exercises, assessment standards and progressive learning pathways for engineering and maritime learners.
For engineering programmes, the curriculum could cover areas such as machinery operation, fault diagnosis, alarm management, electrical generation, auxiliary systems and emergency response.
Local Navigation Scenarios for Seychelles Waters
Another proposed initiative is the creation of navigation simulator exercises based on the Seychelles coastal environment.
Locally focused scenarios could include:
- Coastal navigation
- Harbour approaches
- Inter-island voyages
- Anchoring operations
- Restricted visibility conditions
- Collision avoidance
- Emergency navigation procedures
- Bridge team communication
Using Seychelles-specific training scenarios would provide learners with practical experience that closely reflects the conditions they are likely to encounter during their maritime careers.
Looking Ahead
The CINEC maritime simulator training has provided a solid foundation for the future development of simulator-based education at SMA. By combining modern simulation technology with structured curricula, trained instructors and locally relevant training scenarios, SMA can further strengthen the quality, safety and effectiveness of maritime education in Seychelles.
The next steps include developing a comprehensive simulator curriculum, expanding instructor training and creating realistic engineering and navigation exercises that prepare students for the demands of the maritime industry.