The ARI VTIS Simulator is a state-of-the-art system that supports all key features of a real VTIS system including Radio/Telephone/Intercom systems, Radars and a variety of display Sensors. The software incorporates sophisticated mathematical ship models that allow highly realistic maneuvers. Extensive customization of ship characteristics and sailing areas is possible, enabling the practical application of principles in a realistic environment. The simulator can be connected with ARI navigation simulators to create a genuinely holistic environment.

Design modularity ensures that the simulator can be expanded to suit changing needs as and when required.

With the growing trend worldwide in moving from VTIS to VTIMS (Information & management), the VTIS operator's job is becoming increasingly complicated. Operators need to be trained more intensively to understand complex modern systems that ensure navigational safety and environmental protection.
Though the technology underlying a VTIS is continuously expanding the limits of its capability, it is the human element that eventually determines its actual efficacy. The ARI VTIS Simulator addresses precisely this by raising the level of competence of a VTS operator.

IMO GUIDELINES
The ARI VTIS Simulator addresses all learning objectives prescribed in the Guidelines on Recruitment, Qualifications and Training of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO MSC/Circ.578). The student learns to:

• Communicate navigational safety data to a vessel without compromising Master's authority.
• Diagnose maneuvering patterns that can potentially cause navigational accidents.
• Apply meteorological and hydrographic data to determine safety clearances and margins.
• Anticipate changes in the traffic image, particularly occurrences of 'symptomatic events' i.e. events that trigger an action or the need to make a decision. (Examples include vessel waypoint reports, vessels entering restricted zones, collision alerts.
• Pass-on control to, or acquire control from, neighboring VTIS coverage areas.

FEATURES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Instructor Station
The instructor sets the training scenario and plays the roles of the ships within the VTIS area. The display on the instructor shows the view available to the trainee and additionally allows setting of key parameters for the exercise, e.g. the instructor can simulate the effect of the target entering a blind radar sector. The instructor station is capable of simultaneously conducting exercises for multiple trainee stations. Each station is equipped with standard communication systems that are mirrored at the trainee station.

Realism
The ARI VTIS Simulator realistically simulates radar echoes of ships at sea, AIS transponder information, meteorological and hydrological conditions, wind and current drift and radio communication. Other customizations (as below) take this realism even further.

Customization
In order to allow for a realistic environment, geographical maps and live data can be entered into the system, and scenarios specific to local geographical conditions can be created. Additionally, customized ship data allows training in highly realistic conditions. If required, supported hardware (e.g. radar, communications etc.) can be customized as per the equipment trainees will use in reality.

The Human Element
The ARI VTIS Simulator addresses the 'human' element by facilitating observation and assessment of trainees, and through its ergonomic physical design and user-friendly interfaces.

Debriefing
Individual/group briefings/debriefings are supported. Exercises can be replayed in accelerated, real-time, or slow-time modes.

The ARI Value-Add

• Customization: We offer an unprecedented degree of customization for ships, sailing areas and environmental conditions.

• Flexibility: With ARI, you can literally 'build your own' simulator. You are free to choose only components of relevance to you, and to grow the simulator over time at your convenience.

• Support: Our customers get thorough on-site installation by ARI Project Managers, reliable warranties, dedicated after-sales support and access to periodic software upgrades.

• Value addition: We extensively train your trainers to ensure effective simulator utilization. We can also assist with course material and other accessories that enable your center to be fully operational, nearly from day one.

• Product strengths: Our product adheres to 'best-of-breed' software development practices resulting in a highly scalable package that incorporates sophisticated algorithms based on rigorously tested math models.

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