Facilities

Our extensive range of facilities ensures we provide you with the best learning resources possible.

We have invested millions of pounds in our industry-standard facilities. They provide the most comprehensive and real-life training environment possible.

To view some of our facilities in action click either the iTunes U button at the top of this page or scroll down for more information.

Bridges

Our six simulated navigational bridges in the Marine Simulation Centre (MSC) are regularly upgraded to ensure they provide top quality training. They have the capability to be used together or individually and include:

Two full mission bridge simulators both with 360° field of view.
A four bridge navigation simulation suite and a 120° visual field of view using 50” plasma screens .
All bridges use latest Kongsberg Polaris simulator software and Seaview R5 visual software providing photo-textured day/night visual scenes.
Two full-mission bridges, when used as tugs, are fitted with Azimuth thruster handles, hydraulic winch controls, Azimuth conning displays. and a Voith control console.

Marine Simulation, Ports & Harbours (MSPH)

The first class resources in the MSC make us a world leader in marine simulation training. They are used to train all ranks from cadets to officers, Masters and Pilots. They develop routine work skills but experience emergencies which build up knowledge in the safety of a simulated environment. The following facilities are available in our multi-million pound, comprehensive, purpose-built suite and in our Port Operations Unit:

Six Kongsberg Marine (KMSS) Polaris-type bridges, within the Marine Simulation Centre.
Two full mission engine simulators which can be connected to a full mission bridge simulator for combined deck and engine room courses, including slow speed diesel and diesel electric.
Four KM bridges and a comprehensive VTMIS Simulator, in our Port Operations Unit.
A four bridge Transas Simulator, three ‘live’ ARPA systems and a Navigation Aids Laboratory.

Engine Simulation

Our full mission engine room simulators feature:

A reproduction of the control and engine room of a large vessel powered by a MAN slow speed diesel engine.
A reproduction of the control and engine room of a diesel electric power plant found on a cruise vessel.
A control room with consoles which house main engine controls, plant alarm, generator control, pump and compressor controls and oil fired boiler control panels.
Room located on two levels, with full sound and environmental conditions.
Watchkeeping cabin for UMS operations.
Emergency switchboard room.

Our workstation engine simulator has individual workstation units and is capable of representing the following engine types:

Various slow speed diesels (MAN and Warsila).
Medium speed diesel.
Steam turbine.
Two diesel electric simulation suites.
Gas turbine.

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) We are the leading provider of VTS courses. Our first-class resources are supported by experienced professionals so you can be confident of receiving high quality training, facilities include:

Our two Vessel Traffic Services Simulation suites are fully integrated into both the Marine Simulation Centre and the Port Operations Unit simulation systems:

The three shore-based VTS Operator work stations in each system have data input from radar scanner locations within the exercise area.
The VTS Operator work stations use the same Norcontrol IT ‘VOC5060’ software which is used by actual VTS and Norcontrol VTMIS installations.
The system can fully interact with any combination of the simulation bridges plus any additional targets under the instructor’s control.
In the advanced Port Operations Unit VTS system, nine operators and up to two instructors can observe a birds-eye view of the VTS area of responsibility; There is also a dedicated VTS Supervisor workstation.
We use digital audio communications, capable of full recording and synchronisation within the exercise scenario for debrief purposes.

Marine Safety Training Centre

Situated on the riverside at South Shields, the Marine Safety Training Centre (MSTC) has extensive facilities which have been developed to provide the most realistic training environment possible.

Over 100 companies and over 3,000 students use the MSTC each year which is testament to the high standard of training it provides. It incorporates:

Environmental Pool

Our 18 metre x 10 metre, 4 metre deep environmental pool is used for survival training. It is equipped with a variable wave pattern generator, wind, rain, light and sound effects.

The following are located within the pool area:

8 seater helicopter escape module, capable of being used to simulate dry, wet and capsize situations
Helicopter winching arrangements
Davit-launched liferaft equipment
A range of marine and aviation liferafts
Survival suits, lifejackets and associated survival equipment
Indoor offshore wind turbine transfer simulator

Jetty and moorings

Our jetty located at the MSTC provides mooring for the following craft in davits:

8 metre clinker built ship’s motor lifeboat
50 person Mark 4 Watercraft TEMPSC
50 person Harding TEMPSC
36 person SC70/TEMPSC
4.5 metre Avon inflatable with a 60hp outboard engine

Teaching rooms and lecture theatres

Our quality, purpose-built MSTC accommodation includes:

A large, practical seamanship teaching area with a wide range of shipboard equipment and models of ships’ structures and devices
Modern classrooms and meeting rooms
Open e-learning room
Full catering facilities

Fire Training Centre

Located close to the Marine Safety Training Centre, the fire ground is fully equipped to provide training to the marine and offshore industries.
Facilities include:

A full-size smoke chamber and mock ups of ship/offshore structures
Fixed fire fighting installations
A full range of operational extinguishers, hoses, nozzles etc
A comprehensive range of breathing apparatus
A range of fire props for setting realistic scenarios

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

The Learning Resource Centre provides students access to extensive collections of learning materials including books, newspapers, periodicals, videos, electronic books, e-resources (online databases) and a collection of music and film media for leisure time. IT drop-in and printing facilities are also available, students have access to 82 workstations, 16 net books and 37 laptops.

Marine Learning Centre (MLC)

A large Marine Learning Centre provides students access a collection of reference works, internet research and a wide range of specialist marine and general computer programs.

Term Time opening hours are: