Cal Maritime simulate Cosco Busan type disaster

[admin]

Early morning fog with near-zero visibility, and a severe breakdown in communication between the pilot and crew — some ingredients in the recipe for a shipping disaster known as the Cosco Busan oil spill.
At times, California Maritime Academy students operate under similar conditions, but with one big difference: They can learn from their mistakes without actually causing them.
Cal-Maritime students can master the latest technology, and practice their reactions aboard oil tankers and tug boats all within the confines of the university's state-of-the-art simulation center.
"Everything on the (ship's) bridges is exactly what you would find on a real ship," said Capt. James Buckley, Cal-Maritime associate dean for simulation.
The only facility of its kind in the United States, the $13 million simulation center allows any number of realistic situations that ship and tugboat crews might face, such as storms, high winds, crowded docks, even high-speed pirate boats, Buckley said.
Instructors even can introduce commands issued in error so students can gain skills and confidence to question them and react properly, Buckley said.
The facility allows students and mariner professionals realistic scenarios to learn how to react properly and work well together, Cal-Maritime spokesman Doug Webster said. The ultimate aim is to prevent maritime disasters such as the Cosco Busan oil spill that occurred in November 2007.

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[Capt_Anonymous]

The only facility of its kind in the United States,

Uh...

"The only facility of it's kind in Vallejo" would be a more accurate description.

They may have a big shiny new sim but they're only one of several.