Project to accelerate mixed-reality training development and access to safety training for marine sectors
Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new projects with a total value of over $3.5 million including the MST (Marine Safety Training) Online Project. This Newfoundland and Labrador-led project will accelerate mixed-reality safety training development to offer faster and more accessible digital training options across marine industries.
Mariners are essential workers and require regular training to maintain critical skills. Digital training, including simulation, is increasingly popular in the marine industry due to reduced risk and costs, and the ease of access to training. In building the desktop simulators, developing the software, and organizing the online digital content, this project will expand the opportunities for marine training on land.
This project will enable workers to develop critical worksite specific competencies through engaging and challenging simulation training programs. Simulation training is a safer, more effective option to training than existing forms. With a total project value of more than $1.8 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide close to $700 thousand in funding, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The MSTOnline Project is led by Virtual Marine with partners including Survival Systems Training Limited and Memorial University to develop customized training for various ocean industries including oil and gas, and defence.
Building global business relationships through this project will reinforce Atlantic Canada as a leader in maritime safety training, expanding opportunities for partnership investment in Atlantic Canada towards maritime research and innovation.
Quotes
“Canada’s oceans, the bounty in their waters and the riches within them have created prosperity for generations of Canadians. Our people have expertise now that can take on the world. So, let’s take it on.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Three years ago, the government selected Canada’s five superclusters to accelerate innovation in areas of competitive advantage for Canada, including the ocean economy. We have seen unprecedented momentum from the superclusters, with hundreds of projects approved and thousands of jobs created. As Canada looks to grow its sustainable blue economy, the work the Ocean Supercluster is doing to advance our ocean industries is more valuable than ever.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Through the use of mixed reality, the MST Online Project will develop specialized simulated training to provide ocean workers with the skills they need, delivered in a way that’s safer and more efficient than other methods of training. This project has applications across a number of ocean sectors, and represents the future of ocean workforce training.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“MSTOnline will provide continuous access to training and allow marine workers to acquire and retain needed safety skills. The outcomes of this project will ultimately create a safer and more confident workforce. We are pleased to work with our collaborators and with the Ocean Supercluster on such an innovative and impactful project.” – Dr. Randy Billard, CEO & President, Virtual Marine
“This is a great opportunity to expand on the lessons-learned over the past year to extend specialized training to remote coastal communities as well as address the sustainability issues related to marine training.” – Anthony Patterson, Managing Director, Virtual Marine Training
“SSTL is very excited to be able to participate in an inter-provincial partnership, with world class organizations like Virtual Marine and Memorial University, in order to advance the safest and best training options available.” – Dan Latremouille, Training and Operations Manager, Survival Systems Training Limited