Mercantile Seamen Training Institute commissions simulation centre

The Mercantile Seaman Training Institute (MSTI) ceremonially commissioned the latest Maritime Simulation Center in October 2012, at the Officer Training Centre in Galle, further enhancing MSTI as a leading provider of maritime education and training in Sri Lanka. 

The simulation centre was declared open by Kumari Balasuriya, Governor of the Southern Province who was the Chief Guest at the event along with many other distinguished guests.

The simulator system trains navigating watch-keeping officers to carry out their duties according to the STCW code and Sri Lankan administration. The fully integrated simulator system consists of eight student sit down work stations and four integrated stand up navigation laboratories and are fully equipped and monitored and controlled by the lecturers work station.

The simulator is equipped to the highest standards and is provided with an ECDIS, RADAR, ARPA, Visual scenario and conning controls as well as navigation aids such as DGPS, e-LORAN, Gyro compass, Auto Pilot, Echo Sounder and AIS.  MSTI ensures that all training carried out offers hands-on experiences using various models of ships and thereby enhancing the students’ learning experience.

“MSTI is committed to offering the best facilities for students in keeping with global standards. This new Simulation Center is one such initiative which is the only training academy in the country that operates in a seafront environment whilst bringing real life experiences,” said Capt. Rohan Codipilly, Managing Director of Mercantile Seamen Training Institute.

The Simulation Centre conducts type specific courses approved by the Director General of Merchant Shipping in Sri Lanka. The courses are Operational use of ECDIS, RADAR Observation and plotting, Automatic Radar Plotting Aids, RADAR Simulator, Navigation Watch-Keeping Simulator and Electronic Navigation Systems.

MSTI consists of two specialised training centres for Officers and Ratings and has been spearheading this industry by continuously redefining the standards of maritime training to keep up with ever-changing operating environment in a global context.