Simwave will use specifications from Crystal’s vessels to create the simulator model
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal River Cruises is to be the first in the river cruise industry to train and assess its captains using a high-tech simulator at the Simwave centre in the Netherlands.
The simulator will be built by Simwave and completed this November as part of a new agreement with Crystal’s parent company Genting Hong Kong.
Simwave’s mathematical modelling and research department has designed the simulator’s 3D mathematical model using specifications from Crystal’s vessels to accurately implement handling characteristics for real-world situation training. The bridge layout and design are also based on Crystal’s river ships, ensuring that captains are fully familiar with the components of the vessels before they come aboard.
While Crystal Mozart is the only river ship in Crystal’s fleet that has two captains manning the navigation bridge at all times (largest vessel on European rivers), the river simulator accommodates a second captain to train in emergency relief situations. The bridge simulator includes nine vertically mounted displays that are integrated with the mission engine room. The horizontal field of view is 240 degrees and the vertical field of view is 47 degrees, giving the optimal high-density pixel count for safe sailing.
“Due to the details in the visual scene such as ropes, navigation objects, it is of great importance that the sharpness and details in the visual system be high quality,” said Joost van Ree, co-founder of Simwave. “This makes it possible to simulate scenarios in complex environments more realistically.”
Simwave will also appoint a development captain to create and provide extensive training programmes for Crystal’s river captains.
“Crystal is committed to setting new standards of excellence in every facet of the Crystal experiences around the world, with the expertise of our captains and officers being of chief importance to the safety and security of our guests,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal Cruises’ CEO and president. “Innovation and ground-breaking technology are integral to the beautiful new river yachts joining the Crystal River Cruises’ fleet, and we’re thrilled to extend that innovation to the training of our officers.”