As the Maritime sector continuously seeks excellence in safety, sustainability, and efficiency, Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as a transformative tool that can significantly influence various training processes.
Costs
Development – Environment/Module Creation
The primary expense associated with VR training is the development of the training modules. This includes hiring Developers and Subject Matter Experts to create immersive simulations that accurately replicate maritime environments and scenarios.
While bespoke solutions can be costly, existing platforms like Kilo’s VASCO offer flexible, cost-efficient options. Starting from £3,499, VASCO provides a robust foundation for training with the ability to create customisable scenarios without requiring developer expertise, significantly reducing initial development overheads. This affordability makes VASCO an attractive solution for maritime organisations seeking scalable and high-quality training tools.
Development – Equipment
Once a training environment is developed the cost of equipment, such as VR headsets, computers, and necessary software licenses, is far more affordable compared to traditional fixed simulation systems. This makes VR a cost-effective option for training delivery.
Ongoing Costs - Upgrades
Maintaining a VR training system requires regular software updates, hardware servicing, and periodic content refreshes. The dynamic nature of the maritime industry necessitates continual adaptation of training programs to stay compliant with industry standards and safety protocols.
Ongoing Costs - Training
Maritime organisations must also invest resources in training personnel to use the new systems. This involves, not only, the trainers who will deliver the VR training but also the trainees who need to become proficient in moving between VR training and traditional training methods.
Transition Costs
Adapting existing training protocols to a VR platform involves an initial commitment of time and resources but is temporary compared to the long-term efficiencies gained.
Benefits
Enhanced Safety
One of the most significant benefits of VR training is the enhancement of safety culture and outcomes. VR allows for realistic risk-free training in scenarios such as ship navigation through high-density traffic and navigational hazards or equipment failures without the associated dangers. Better-prepared crew members lead to fewer critical incidents and near misses.
“If you think training is expensive, try handling the costs of a significant maritime disaster in terms of human life, damage to assets or the marine environment. Never forget also the reputational damage to your brand”
Preparedness
VR can significantly decrease the time required to train new personnel. Traditional maritime training often involves travelling to an educational establishment remote from your operational area, lengthy classroom sessions followed by extensive hands-on practice. VR eliminates the need for such relocation by enabling high-quality training to occur locally, providing the same immersive, hands-on learning experience without the associated travel and downtime. This streamlined approach accelerates the training process while maintaining effectiveness.
Cost Effectiveness
VR enables simultaneous training for multiple individuals, locally on-site, while allowing them to practice at their own pace. This, not only, expedites the overall training process but also allows for more frequent refreshers, ensuring skills are maintained at a high level of excellence when crew members enter active duty. VR simulation can be available to the crew 24/7.
Retention & Engagement
Immersive VR environments activate multiple sensory pathways, improving knowledge retention and engagement. This reduces errors and strengthens crew confidence. Breaking a single link in the error chain can prevent an incident, reinforcing the value of high retention rates.
Long-Term Financial Gains
The long-term benefits of VR training include reduced incidents, fewer operational disruptions, and better compliance with safety standards. VR’s customisable modules and remote collaboration features also address challenges like global crew logistics and regulatory demands, delivering scalable, future-proof solutions. By proactively investing in VR, companies not only improve operational efficiency but also protect assets and reputations.
Summary
Category | Costs (£) | Benefits (£) | Details |
Development | High | Long-term savings | High initial module development costs are offset by reduced travel and logistics expenses. |
VASCO | From £3,499 | Cost-efficient entry point | Affordable solution with customisable scenarios requiring no developer expertise. |
Operational Costs | Moderate | Enhanced safety | Includes regular updates and minor hardware replacements. |
Transition Costs | Temporary | Efficiency gains | Short-term adaptation, long-term scalability and usability. |
Learning Outcomes | N/A | Higher performance | Better retention reduces incidents and improves operational excellence. |
The inclusion of VR training into the maritime industry represents an upfront investment in development, implementation, maintenance, and integration. However, the return on investment can be substantial compared to traditional training methods, with significant improvements in safety, training effectiveness, and knowledge retention.
Organisations adopting VR training can enhance crew preparedness, reduce risks, and maintain high operational standards. Ultimately, this proactive approach fosters sustainable growth and profitability, reinforcing their position as leaders in an increasingly competitive and dynamic maritime landscape.
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