Research

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The research fields to be supported by the IMS facility are:

• To significantly improve the realism of modelled Australian and overseas port areas and navigation channels to enable the simulated ship models to react realistically to bank, swell, current and wind effects.
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• To develop recording and playback techniques to be able to evaluate simulation programmes including Bridge Resource Management (BRM) actions.
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• To develop a realistic simulation of efficient and safe manoeuvres of tug operation.
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• To develop a prototype 3D simulation from the bridge view for depth of vision and berthing/unberthing vessels alongside wharfs and jetties.

The information used in the research will be stored, secured and backed up using a central computer system which links the five facilities together. This computer system will also increase the speed of numerical calculation of data .

The IMS is the only Australian and Southern Hemisphere research facility with the capability to support ship, port area and navigation channel modeling in both day and night conditions. The facility supports training for national and international mariners in accordance with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) STCW95 Code and provides research infrastructure expertise required improving the efficiency and safety of ship and port operations.

The IMS has only been operational since 1985. During the short time of its existence, it has been developed to being one of the most accurate types of simulator in the world. The system original delivered bears no relationship to the current system. The system will be continually developed by a dedicated team operators to improve the output of its information accuracy and realism.