Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has opened its new Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Automation & Control training centre in Ålesund, Norway. The simulation centre provides students with real-life training to become proficient with operating DP controls, without the risk of using real ships in close proximity to real offshore installations. The training centre, temporarily based at the Ålesund University college campus, will move into the Rolls-Royce Training Centre in Ålesund, once that facility is completed in 2011.
Geir Olav Otterlei, Rolls-Royce Service Manager DP said: “As the number of vessels with dynamic positioning (DP) systems increases, so does the need for people who are familiar with DP systems and control and automation systems, and who can diagnose problems and carry out maintenance. The new Rolls-Royce training centre, which has already started running courses, addresses this training requirement. Both customers and Rolls-Royce service engineers will benefit from the familiarisation and maintenance courses.”
The classrooms are equipped with six sets of DP consoles and joysticks, which students can use interactively under the supervision of the instructor. A complete DP2 operator station arranged as an aft bridge is part of the new training centre. A realistic view from the bridge is projected on a curved wall. Students can see the effects of their inputs to the DP controls without the risk of using real ships and real installations.
A technical room also houses Rolls-Royce control and automation systems, so students can obtain hands-on experience with these systems.
(www.rolls-royce.com)