MMA Opens American Bureau of Shipping Information Commons Building

Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) recently hosted the grand opening ceremony for the start-of-the-art, American Bureau of Shipping Information Commons Building, which houses the Academy’s new cutting-edge Full Mission Ship Simulator, supplied by Transas USA Inc.

The 42,000 square foot academic building combines maritime tradition with the latest technology in maritime training, including the campus library, museum, archives, model ship collection, plus hi-tech simulation facilities, multimedia ‘smart’ classroom, and resource centers.

The new simulator and its support areas represent the showcase facility for the Marine Transportation program offered at MMA. The simulation facilities include a full mission, 360 degree bridge simulator meeting the highest international training and certification standards, debriefing room, instructors control room and an ante room. The simulator forms a crucial part of MMA cadet training, by exposing them to a range of modern navigation systems, and will assist students in developing command and decision-making skills.

Modern navigation systems implemented on the Bridge include an Integrated Navigation System (INS), Dynamic Positioning Systems (DP2), ARPA/Radar multifunction displays, and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), all meeting the latest International maritime regulations.

The full mission simulator builds upon the Transas Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 simulator systems already installed at MMA. It can operate either independently, or in joint exercises across campus for multi-vessel scenarios, with the existing Tug Bridge and Electronic Navigation Lab.

For over 100 years, Massachusetts Maritime Academy has been preparing women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As one of the USA’s six state maritime academies, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimental lifestyle with a typical four-year college academic course of study. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college for young women and men to pursue their love for the ocean, their concern for the environment, their interest in Math and Sciences, and their thirst for adventure.

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World Maritime News Staff, January 12, 2012; Image: Transas