A group of elected student leaders have responded to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's consultation on the use of simulators in the cadet training programme on behalf of our fellow cadets at Warsash Maritime School (Solent University).
We outlined our support for the proposed 10-day accredited simulator course in lieu of one month of sea time. We feel this scheme strikes the right balance between sea and simulation time.
We are well aware of the importance and benefits of 'real' sea time during our training as cadets. However, our letter conveys a plethora of reasons supporting simulator time such as standardisation of training, variation of experience and enhanced ability to debrief.
Other countries, such as the Netherlands, have implemented simulator training with high reviews from seafarers. We call on other nautical colleges and bodies of cadets to respond to the consultation as we feel it is vitally important the MCA hear from current cadets as well as experienced seafarers.
Gareth Hampton
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