Technical Proficiency: The GDS simulator helps personnel develop advanced skills in troubleshooting and maintaining complex machinery, which is crucial for achieving SIRE 2.0’s standards for operational excellence. Environmental Compliance: With a growing emphasis on environmental regulations, the simulator enables crew members to familiarize themselves with compliance standards and practice procedures that reduce environmental impact, such as optimizing fuel usage and managing waste effectively. Safety Protocols: Through realistic training scenarios, the simulator reinforces safety protocols, ensuring that personnel can identify and mitigate risks, which is a core component of the SIRE 2.0 inspection program.

GDS SERS™ Makes IMO Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) Certificate Trainings Conducted Efficiently and Effectively

Posted on October 7, 2022November 8, 2024 by Ismail Cicek

Description of an ERM Training

Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) is a system of achieving safe engineering operations by proactively utilizing and managing personnel, equipment, and information in the machinery space. A review the team roles, human factors, and situational awareness is required to plan and implement a proper ERM program. Remember, good ERM practices can save personnel and vessels from unwanted risks.

The course complies with the standards of Regulation III/1, III/2, III/6 and VIII/2 of STCW Convention, Section A-III/1, III/2, III/6, A-VIII/2 and B-VIII/2 of STCW Code and SIRE requirements.

Topics in a ERM training includes

Learn about effective resource allocation including crew, plant, equipment, and information management
Understand the leadership responsibilities of the Chief Engineer, including staff training and motivation, preventing crew fatigue, and conducting appropriate drills
Review individual and team roles, and how to reduce human error using situational awareness and closed loop communication
See engine room equipment functions and standard operating procedures

Relevance of this Training with existing IMO Model Courses

This course includes the topics using the guidance provided by the following IMO Model Courses.

IMO Model Course 7.02 Chief Engineer Officer and Second Engineer Officer
IMO Model Course 7.04 Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch
IMO Model Course 2.07 Engine Rooms Simulator. 2017 Ed.
IMO Model Course 1.39 Leadership and Teamwork
IMO Model Course 1.38 Marine Environmental Awareness

Referenced Documents

The following documents must be used along with this document for effectively planning and providing an ERM training.

GDS SERS User Manuals and Documents

User Manual Vol I (SERS Software Description) describe the SERS software with the SERS Graphical User Interface (GUI) Panels accessed from the SERS Main Graphical User Interface (GUI) Panel.
User Manual Volume II (Engine Room Operations) includes the operational instructions on how to operate the engine room systems and machinery using the SERS.
User Manual Vol III (Installation & Configuration) describes the installation and the configuration of software and hardware items
This manual, User Manual Volume IV (Instructor’s Manual), includes guides and information for the instructors to utilize SERS in their trainings according to their specific training objectives.
Refer to “SERS Philosophy Document” for selecting the configuration of the SERS for your training objectives. Then use Vol. III for the proper installation of the SERS and reading the configuration guidelines.

External Referenced Documens

IMO Model Course 7.02 Chief Engineer Officer and Second Engineer Officer
IMO Model Course 7.04 Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch
IMO Model Course 2.07 Engine Rooms Simulator. 2017 Ed.
IMO Model Course 1.39 Leadership and Teamwork
IMO Model Course 1.38 Marine Environmental Awareness

ENGINE ROOM RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TRAINING MODEL

The course complies with the standards of Regulation III/1, III/2, III/6 and VIII/2 of STCW Convention, Section A-III/1, III/2, III/6, A-VIII/2 and B-VIII/2 of STCW Code and SIRE requirements.

The course is aimed at officers of the engineering watch (operational level), 2nd Engineer and Chief Engineer (management level).

The course is a mix of theory case studies and simulation exercise covering topics below. The following are the four main areas to cover in an ERM training:

GDS SERS IMO Engine Room Resource Management Course Model 2.07 IMO. Certification Training. Marine Engineering Cadets. Class Regulations.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION: Effective resource allocation including crew, plant, equipment, and information management.
LEADERSHIP: The leadership responsibilities of the Chief Engineer, including staff training and motivation, preventing crew fatigue, and conducting appropriate drills
TEAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The roles and responsibilities for both individuals and team. Planning and execution must be reviewed with past experiences with the aim of reducing human error using situational awareness and closed loop communication.
TECHNICAL OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: A study with a thorough review of equipment functions, standard operating procedures including safety procedures.

Designing your ERM Training with SERS

In this section, we provide a guidance on how to design an IMO ERM training with step by step approach. We hope that it helps you provide an effective training for your cadets or engineers already working onboard.

1. Certification of the Simulator

Certification of the simulator is highly important. You must ensure that it has all capabilities to provide the capabilities training based on STCW 2010. As for the ERM training, the simulator must be capable of demonstrating the IMO Model Course (2.07) exercises.

GDS Ship Engine Room Simulator (SERS™) is a Training Simulator System with a Full Mission (Class A) type approval certificate obtained from ClassNK. ClassNK is an IACS affiliate Classification Organization. Certificate of SERS™ lists the IMO STCW 2010 competencies, as provided in Table 1, which includes the compliance to IMO STCW Tables A-III. The class certification of SERS includes the IMO Model Course 2.07 (207) Ed.). The trainee is able to perform all exercises contained in the IMO Model Course 2.07. All exercises were demonstrated during the Class Type Approval.

Table 1: SERS™ Certification Items for STCW Training Competencies.


IMO STCW-2010 Reference	Competence
Table A-III/1.1	Maintain a safe engineering watch
Table A-III/1.2	Use English in written and oral form
Table A-III/1.3	Use internal communication systems
Table A-III/1.4	Operate main and auxiliary machinery and associated control systems
Table A-III/1.5	Operate fuel, lubrication, ballast and other pumping systems and associated control systems
Table A-III/1.6	Operate electrical, electronic and control systems
Table A-III/1.10	Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements
Table A-III/1.11	Maintain seaworthiness of the ship
Table A-III/1.12	Prevent, control and fight fires on board
Table A-III/1.16	Application of leadership and team working skills
Table A-III/2.1	Manage the operation of propulsion plant machinery
Table A-III/2.2	Plan and schedule operations
Table A-III/2.3	Operation, surveillance, performance assessment and maintaining safety of propulsion plant and auxiliary Machinery
Table A-III/2.4	Manage fuel, lubrication and ballast operations
Table A-III/2.5	Manage operation of electrical and electronic control equipment
Table A-III/2.6	Manage troubleshooting restoration of electrical and electronic control equipment to operating condition
Table A-III/2.8	Detect and identify the cause of machinery malfunctions and correct faults
Table A-III/2.10	Control trim, stability and stress
Table A-III/2.11	Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements and measures to ensure safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment
Table A-III/2.14	Use leadership and managerial skills
Table A-III/4.2	For keeping a boiler watch: Maintain the correct water levels and steam pressures
Table A-III/6.1	Monitor the operation of electrical, electronic and control systems
Table A-III/6.2	Monitor the operation of automatic control systems of propulsion and auxiliary machinery
Table A-III/6.3	Operate generators and distribution systems
Table A-III/6.4	Operate and maintain power systems in excess of 1,000 volts
Table A-III/6.5	Operate computers and computer networks on ships
Table A-III/6.7	Use internal communication systems
Table A-III/6.9	Maintenance and repair of automation and control systems of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery
Table A-III/6.12	Ensure compliance with pollution-prevention requirements

2. Simulator Detail Specs

This is probably the most tricky part. Some simulators could be cheap (!) and may be simulating the systems at a very high level. Does it have a main engine lubricating oil system? Probably yes. Does it satisfy the IMO competencies. Well this is the tricky part. It must have the LO Temperature Control System appropariately and realistically simulating the systems. We gave a simple example. Most trainers learn the specifics of the simulator after some experience of using it and become aware of the isues that prevent providing an efficient engine room simulator training. This may not be of an issue for a freshman level students; however, it becomes important when trainees are already completed their training onboard a ship and that they completed their marine engine engineering courses (Diesel Engines, Ship Auxiliary Engines, Electrical Systems, Automatic Control Systems, etc.). Additionally, the models and simulated systems has critical importance when the trainees are the personnel already have experience onboard a ship. Usually, the trainees in an ERM course will be watchkeeping officers or even chief engineers and they will probably critisize the training if the simulations are not realistic!

We have written the full specifications list for an engine room simulator, generalized with a focus on how it must help the instructors in the training. We went through each section of both the IMO STCW 2010 and IMO Model Course 2.07 and ensure the full list is at hand with the training in focus. Do not hesitate to request a copy if you are establishing an engine room training facility. We will be glad to help as trainers with ERS training experience of more than 20 years.

We should warn you that you must prepare the requirements for purchasing an Engine Room Simulator not the manufacturer.

3. Simulator Configurations

The training area must be organized with a focus into the training goals and objectives. The number of students to train at once is also an important element.

There are two examples of simulator configırations shown with the following figures. You must define your objectives first and ensure that a satisfactory number of stations and area is provided during the training.

ERS Training Plant GDS Engineering Inc SERS Full Mission Engine Room Simulator Layout and Equipment Arrangement

Maritime Studies. Man Overboard. Denize Adam Düşmesi. Maritime Accident Investigation Reports. Maritime Research. IMO GISIS. Database. Veritabanı Oluşturulması. EU Project. TUBITAK. ITU Maritime Faculty. İTÜ Denizcilik Fakültesi. Maritime Accident Investigation, Casualty Investigation Code, Man Over Board (MOB), Lessons Learned, Database, Data Format, Report Forms. Root Cause Analysis. Root Cause Flow Charts. Collision Accidents. Analysis and assessment of ship collision accidents using Fault Tree and Multiple Correspondence Analysis. MCA. , Fault tree method, Multiple correspondence analysis, Collision Regulation, CollReg. Human Error. The results represent the cause statistics of the ship-to-ship collision accidents that occurred in the last 43 years. Considering the collision accident reports data, our results show %94,7 of collision accidents are related to human error.

A New Study Published in the Ocean Engineering Journal: “Analysis and assessment of ship collision accidents using Fault Tree and Multiple Correspondence Analysis”

Posted on January 12, 2022January 18, 2022 by Ismail Cicek

Journal Article:

Ocean Engineering, Volume 245, 1 February 2022, 110514

Hasan Ugurlu, Ismail Cicek, Analysis and assessment of ship collision accidents using Fault Tree and Multiple Correspondence Analysis, Ocean Engineering, Volume 245, 2022, 110514, ISSN 0029-8018,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.110514.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029801821017923)

Authors

Hasan Uğurlu and Ismail Cicek

Highlights

• 513 ship collision accidents for all ship types, dated since 1977, were studied.
• 39 primary causes for collisions were examined with fault tree analysis.
• Importance and probability values for each primary cause are presented.
• Results indicate which COLREG Rules are violated the most.
• Recommendations are provided for reducing the potential collision accidents.

Abstract

Our research study indicates that, over the past few decades, the expected decrease in the number of maritime accidents has not occurred. The statistics show the collision and contact types of marine accidents have always been the most frequent. Primary causes that contribute to ship collisions were collected from 513 collision accidents reported since 1977, which is the date the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) came into effect. The root causes of ship-to-ship collisions were determined statistically. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). This provided the probability and importance of the primary causes contributing to the ship collision accidents and defined minimal cut sets. Results show that the violation of the COLREG Rules is the most important and effective factor for collision accidents. Therefore, further analysis was conducted and the results showed which type of COLREG Rules mostly violated statistically. The primary causes were also examined by Multiple Correspondence Analysis, and it was determined that maneuvering and perception errors were the most effective factors in collision accidents. The results represent the cause statistics of the ship-to-ship collision accidents that occurred in the last 43 years. Considering the collision accident reports data, our results show %94,7 of collision accidents are related to human error.

Read more at Ocean Engieering journal…

Keywords

Maritime accidents, Ship collision, Fault tree method, Multiple correspondence analysis, Collision regulation, Human error

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.110514

Why is this Paper Important?

The results represent the cause statistics of the ship-to-ship collision accidents that occurred in the last 43 years. Considering the collision accident reports data, our results show %94,7 of collision accidents are related to human error.

513 ship collision accidents for all ship types, dated since 1977, were studied.
39 primary causes for collisions were examined with fault tree analysis.
Importance and probability values for each primary cause are presented.
Results indicate which COLREG Rules are violated the most.
Recommendations are provided for reducing the potential collision accidents.

Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) of Marine Devices and Electrical Equipment

Posted on January 12, 2022January 15, 2022 by Ismail Cicek

Devices used onboard a ship are exposed to harsh electromagnetic environments, whether in the propulsion, deck or bridge area of a ship. Testing of such devices for Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) is therefore very important. Otherwise, manufacturers can face difficulties during the certification and procurement stages.

EMC testing and certification services to ensure your marine products comply with relevant international standards and regulations is a MUST!

GDS Engineering R&D does not perform these tests yet; however, have the information on design and test knowledge. The requirements include the international conventions as agreed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Currently, we have observed that these tests are conducted by reputable agencies like ELEMENT.

The testing laboratories use the following standards to test the marine electronic, digital or electrical devices for certification to IMO SOLAS requirements, guidance, or recommendations:

IEC 60945
IEC 60533
Lloyds Register Test Spec No 1
DNV Certification Notes 2.4
IEC 60092

Click this link to read more about ELEMENT’s advertisements. Element also provides the following additional information in their website:

Support and guidance from the initial design stage

The use of composite materials in ship construction together with new radio technologies and high power electronics are changing the requirements and design goals that need to be achieved to ensure electromagnetic compatibility. Element is well placed with our knowledge of both standards and the target environment to provide detailed guidance of the best compliance strategies to adopt for your marine products.

CE Marking and Wheel Mark certification

Element performs EMC testing in conjunction with climatic and environmental test requirements to meet dedicated marine standards and be compliant with CE marking legislation. We make sure your marine equipment complies with the relevant EMC standards listed in the Marine Equipment Directive to help you achieve the Wheel Mark certification.

EMC test plans

Our test facilities for both EMC and environmental provide a comprehensive portfolio of tests to ensure that whatever your marine equipment is, and no matter where it’s located, we have a test solution that matches your needs.

Coordinated approach to testing for global market access

Our expertise comes from testing thousands of different products every year, and our industry-leading capacity allows us appropriate coordination of testing, so your marine equipment meets common standards of safety and performance across the EU and is accepted for entry into world markets.

For more information, we currently advice you contact with Element support desk.

Ship Engine Room Simulator (ERS) SERS GDS Engineering R&D IMO STCW 2010, Engine Performance, Main Diesel Engine, Marine, Maritime, IMO Model Course 2.07. Certified by ClassNK. ITU Maritime Faculty. Yıldız Technical University. Competencies. Operation and Management Level. Education and Training. Assessment of Marine Engineers. Troubleshooting with Fault Tree Scnearious and Analysis Reporting. Objective Assessment. Nippon Kaiji Kyokai.High Voltage Training Functions 6600 VAC. Ship Propulsion Systems. Maritime Education and Training. Main Engine Performance. Sunken Diagrams. Energy Efficiency. Marine Engineering. Effect of Draft Change in the Ship Main Engine Performance Parameters. Management Level Training Exercices, Marine Engineering Education and Training. SERS Trademark

Capture GDS Vision in the Engine Room Simulator Development

Posted on January 6, 2022November 8, 2024 by Ismail Cicek

In recent years, the maritime industry has seen a significant push towards technological advancement and stricter safety and operational standards. As vessels become more sophisticated and regulations evolve, the role of well-trained onboard maritime personnel becomes increasingly essential. In this context, the SIRE 2.0 program and GDS Ship Engine Room Simulator represent pioneering tools designed to equip maritime crews with deep technical skills necessary to meet new demands and improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.

Understanding SIRE 2.0 and Its Impact on Maritime Training

The Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE) has long been a fundamental tool in maintaining safety and operational standards across the maritime industry, particularly for tanker operations. Launched by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), the program provides a comprehensive inspection system that evaluates the condition and operations of vessels. However, with the growing complexity of modern vessels and stricter environmental and safety regulations, the traditional SIRE program required enhancements to address these evolving needs. This led to the development of SIRE 2.0, an upgraded version that integrates data-centric inspection methodologies with a stronger focus on crew competency, operational excellence, and technical skills.

One of the key features of SIRE 2.0 is its focus on assessing the competency of crew members in handling complex equipment and operations. Rather than focusing solely on vessel condition, SIRE 2.0 evaluates the practical skills, knowledge, and decision-making abilities of onboard personnel. This ensures that crew members are not only familiar with equipment and operational standards but are also capable of responding effectively to critical situations.

The emphasis on crew competency in SIRE 2.0 aligns with the industry’s shift toward a human-centered approach in safety and operational excellence. This paradigm shift means that training programs must go beyond traditional instruction and delve into more practical, technology-driven skills, which is where simulators like the GDS Ship Engine Room Simulator come into play.

The Role of the GDS Ship Engine Room Simulator in Skill Development

The GDS Ship Engine Room Simulator is an advanced training tool that replicates the engine room environment of modern vessels, providing maritime personnel with hands-on experience in a controlled setting. This simulator covers a wide range of critical systems found in ship engine rooms, including propulsion, auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, and emergency protocols. By using the simulator, crew members can practice their skills, refine their decision-making processes, and gain confidence in handling complex systems without the risks associated with real-world errors.

The simulator allows trainees to engage in realistic scenarios, such as equipment failures, power management issues, and environmental challenges. This training is invaluable in helping them develop deep technical skills needed to respond effectively under pressure. Given the increasing complexity of ship machinery, which often integrates digital and automated controls, such simulator-based training ensures that personnel are well-prepared for both routine and emergency operations.

Developing Deep Technical Skills with SIRE 2.0 and the GDS Simulator

By integrating SIRE 2.0’s competency standards with the practical capabilities of the GDS Ship Engine Room Simulator, maritime training institutions can foster deep tech skills that are essential in today’s high-stakes maritime environment. Training programs using these tools can address various aspects, including:

Operational Readiness: By simulating real-life engine room conditions, the GDS simulator enables personnel to develop an intuitive understanding of systems and processes, which aligns with SIRE 2.0’s focus on crew readiness and situational awareness.

Crisis Management and Decision-Making: The simulator provides scenarios that replicate emergency situations, allowing trainees to practice crisis response, prioritize actions, and make critical decisions under pressure.

Technical Proficiency: The GDS simulator helps personnel develop advanced skills in troubleshooting and maintaining complex machinery, which is crucial for achieving SIRE 2.0’s standards for operational excellence.

Environmental Compliance: With a growing emphasis on environmental regulations, the simulator enables crew members to familiarize themselves with compliance standards and practice procedures that reduce environmental impact, such as optimizing fuel usage and managing waste effectively.

Safety Protocols: Through realistic training scenarios, the simulator reinforces safety protocols, ensuring that personnel can identify and mitigate risks, which is a core component of the SIRE 2.0 inspection program.

Enhancing the Future of Maritime Training
As the maritime industry continues

Maritime Investigation Reports Involving Man-Over-Board (MOB) Casualties: A Methodology for Evaluation Process

Posted on December 27, 2021January 15, 2022 by Orhan Gonel

Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, Vol: 5 No: 2 (2019) 141-170.

Authors

Orhan Gönel and İsmail Çiçek

Abstract

Flag states must issue their maritime investigation reports in accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) circulars with the inclusion of ‘lessons learned’ items from recorded accidents or incidents. To identify the root cause of an event, there must be enough detail of information about the investigated event presented in reports. The information included in reports may help identifying the procedural deficiencies or technical challenges. Considering the Man-Over- Board (MOB) events as a sub group of maritime accident nvestigations, authors systematically reviewed over 100 reports containing MOB events in this study.

In this study, reports are reviewed and major differences in formats as well as level and type of information are recorded. A systematic methodology for reviewing and reporting the overall information retrieved from maritime accident reports is presented. To cover all information from reviewed reports, 113 information items are identified. An associated standard form is developed for use in extracting information from all investigation reports. Enabling the data collected systematically from reports, issued by the world maritime accident reporting states and agencies, and successively populated into a database for overall analysis, this form is called “Maritime MOB Events Investigation Form (MEI Form)”. This paper presents the content of the MEI Form and demonstrates the methodology of use for retrieving, formatting and analyzing the information from the MOB investigation reports using case examples.

Click to see published paper for more reading.

Keywords

Maritime Accident Investigation, Casualty Investigation Code, Man Over Board (MOB), Lessons Learned, Database, Data Format, Report Forms.

Highlights

A Form was developed and proposed for use in accident investigations.
Using the form and entry into a database, maritime accident investigation data is digitized.
Statistical Data for MOB Events were obtained and presented.
results provide useful data for having lessons learned items.
Provides a methodology for root-cause of MOB events.
Lessons learnt process is automated.

Global Dynamic Systems. GDS Systems Engineering Training Programs. Simulators. Engine Room Simulator (ERS). Ship. Electrical Systems Simulator. Physics Lab. UH60. Amphibious. Ground Vehicles. Military Training Programs. MIL-STD-810H Online Training. Environmental Testing of Military Products. Training helps reduce your design and operational risks. We provide MIL-STD-810H, RTCA-DO-160, Vibration and Shock, FAA Requirements Management courses. by Dr Ismail Cicek and a CVE certified by EASA. Ship Engine Room Simulator (ERS) SERS GDS Engineering R&D IMO STCW 2010, Engine Performance, Main Diesel Engine, Marine, Maritime, IMO Model Course 2.07. Certified by Class NK. ITU Maritime Faculty. Yıldız Technical University. Competencies. Operation and Management Level. Education and Training. Assessment of Marine Engineers. Troubleshooting with Fault Tree Scnearious and Analysis Reporting. Maritime. Marine Engineering.

GDS Engineering R&D, Inc. | Global Dynamic Systems, Inc.

Posted on December 27, 2021November 8, 2024 by Ismail Cicek

In short, “GDS” develops simulator products for maritime education and training and provides Systems Engineering training courses in defense and aviation.

About Simulators

Especially for use in maritime training, GDS has developed a Ship Engine Room Simulator (SERS) and supports it as the main product, along with similar simulators. The main product of GDS, Ship Engine Room Simulator (SERS™), has been trademarked and certified by ClassNK, an international maritime certification agency. SERS has started to be used in important maritime education institutions such as Yıldız Technical University, OneYachts (Malta), and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Maritime Faculty. In addition to SERS, GDS has developed other maritime training simulators, such as the Ship Electrical Systems Simulator,r and continues its work.

GDS also provides project-specific, knowledge—and experience-based consultancy services in the maritime sector. The TÜBİTAK project of ARKAS BIMAR and the study on Machine Learning are ongoing. He has conducted a study on the measurement and analysis of noise emitted into the sea for a ship belonging to Karadeniz Holding (Karpowership) and an internationally valid report study. Our services to the maritime sector continue with similar engineering and consultancy studies.

About Systems Engineering Training Programs

GDS personnel for the Aviation Sector provide training on the RTCA-DO-160G Environmental Test Standard and provide services on test plans and test management according to this standard.

With vast experience and expertise in defense systems development and certification in the USA, GDS also provides MIL-STD-810H training, which is very important in the Defense Sector. So far, GDS provided training to more than 1000 individuals and over 150 organizations globally.

GDS Personnel

GDS personnel also consist of academic staff at ITU Maritime Faculty and provide testing, consultancy, and engineering services within the scope of university-industry collaborations at ITU Maritime Test Application and Research Center (ITU DETAM). The ITU Marine Equipment Test Center (METC), known in English, can perform environmental tests such as vibration, temperature, icing, dropping, stacking, internal pressure, pulling, notch, sealing, and salt fog.

GDS is led by Dr Ismail Cicek, who has more than 30 years of experience in the Maritime Education and Training, Defense, and Aviation sectors.

GDS continues to contribute to global studies with its products and knowledge-experience potential.