OREANDA-NEWS. May 24, 2011. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Koichi Muto) today announced the installation of a new high-performance ship-handling simulator (*1) at its seafarer training center in a suburb of Manila.

MOL has developed and provided ship-handling simulator training based on its unique operating scenarios. The system has now been enhanced by the addition of the new simulator, allowing for the introduction of MOL's exclusive Very Large Iron Ore Carrier (VLOC) handling training program. MOL provides ongoing ship handling and BRM (*2) training programs adapted to a broad range of vessel types at the center.

In its midterm management plan "GEAR UP! MOL," the company set a goal of "four zeroes" — never allow (1) marine incidents, (2) oil pollution, (3) fatal accidents, or (4) cargo damage — as part of its drive to become the world leader in safe operation. To achieve that goal, MOL works constantly to establish and enhance safety standards and procedures to further improve the skills of its seafarers in terms of both hardware and software.

*1.  TRANSAS full-mission ship-handling simulator: It uses a 235-degree large-screen display and allows for highly realistic ship-handling simulation.

*2.  BRM stands for Bridge Resource Management. It is a simulation training program based on various situations that may occur during navigation. The goal is to promote teamwork and cooperation among bridge personnel including the captain and officers. Trainees enhance their skills in onboard organization and vessel operation by repeating processes aimed at helping them confirm situations, communicate information, recognize problems, and develop solutions.