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BACKGROUND:

 The Nautilus (NFBS) - Full Bridge Simulator™ was developed as a low cost simulator to meet the New requirements imposed by the IMO standards of training, certification and watchkeeping (SCTW) A11/1 and A11/2.

During the development a thorough review of recommendations and standards as set forth In" Simulated Voyages, Using simulation technologies to train and license mariners". Many other studies by the NRC and U.S. Coast Guard Boards were consulted to insure the simulator was built to give a strong feel of validity.

 The control stations were built using the Visions 2100 VT integrated bridge as our model.

 In the NRC study simulators are divided into two major types of simulators, scale models, Computers based simulators and four sub types.

  The NFBS was designed as a computer based simulator that meets the requirements of the Category I (Full Mission) and Category II (Multi-Task). Because the system is modular, Parts of the Bridge can be stripped away allowing its use in training situations that need only Category III (Limited task) and Category IV (Special task) capabilities i.e. radar or Radio simulators.

 The NRC defined various courses in which category I and II simulators could be used.

• Bridge Team Management
• Bridge Resource Management
• Shiphandling open waters, channels and waterways
• Docking and undocking evolutions
• Bridge watchkeeping
• Rules of the Road
• Emergency Procedures

The NFBS can be effectively used for all the courses listed above except Docking and Undocking because of the lack of bridge wings (In Beta Testing).

 Simulation enables creation of dynamic, real-life situations in a controlled classroom environment where deck officers and pilots can:

• Practice new technologies and skills
• Obtain insight from instructors and peers
• Transfer theory to real world situations in a risk-free operating environment
• Deal with multiple problems concurrently rather than sequentially; and
• Learn to prioritize multiple tasks under high stress, changing conditions to those in actual shipboard operations.

 The NFBS is a unique fully integrated multiprocessor system using the most advanced Cluster technologies. The use of multi threading and processor assigned tasks makes the NFBS capable of the functions only found in the largest and most expensive Bridge Simulators.

 The system consists of 11 processors dedicated to specific tasks.

 Three dimensional high fidelity graphics are achieved using dual Pentium Pro (200 MHz) with 128 Megs of RAM and a Glint based video system with dual Glint 500 TX video processors and a delta math Processor and 40 Megs of video memory. This allows the system to process video at the spectacular rate of 750,000 polygons per second and texture at 50,000,000 pixels per second.

 All radar units use Pentium processors and 17" to 20" monitors with Nautilus Bridge Data output interfaces. The Nautilus Bridge data interface allows the system to pass data in NMEA 0183 format to Navigation plotters, autopilot and other navigation devices.

 The ships control station is powered by a Pentium (133 MHz) and provides output for rudder and speed controls, Gyrocompass Heading, RPM port and starboard, water temperature and oil pressure.

 Instructors control station is a Pentium 133 MHz with 32 Megs RAM, full Multimedia functions and tape backup.

 The Navigation Station uses a Pentium (133 MHz) computer provides fully integrated navigation with full NMEA 0183 output.

The equipment in the Nautilus Full Bridge Simulator was designed to give the feeling of realism to evoke real life behavior and enhance the transfer of training to real operations.

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