Virtual handling

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INVESTMENT: Robin Windley explains how a high ticket item like a simulator is justified in a cost benefit analysis.

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Port operator DP World has upgraded its training facility to include some state-of-the-art simulators, including a twin-lift.

With crane training such a hot topic in the region, and many small contractors reluctant to release their staff for more than the minimum time necessary to get the most basic level of skills it is comforting to know that at least one employer is stepping in to the modern age, with the finishing touches being put on a comprehensive training and development centre - complete with a state of the art twin-lift simulator.

There are some strictly practical reasons why DP-World is making such an investment in training and development. Robin Windley, training developer explained "We are no longer operating as a one million TEU (container) terminal, it's in excess of ten million. What was fine with one million needs to be upgraded.

"Traditionally this industry has used live equipment for the benefit of training operators.

"Now that is fine when you have the spare capacity but obviously when the crane is working, operations take precedent.

"One of the alternatives is to find something that is close to a live real environment and a simulator is about as close as you will ever get.

As with cranes, the two types of simulator broadly fit in to two categories; fixed plant and mobile. The company has just finished installing both types, and the container-based mobile plant was in operation on our visit.

Built into a standard forty foot shipping container, the air-conditioned training room has at its centre five giant screens on all sides, including one almost below the operator.

The operator's console features the joystick controls, buttons, lights and alarms, just as would be found on an actual crane.

Surround speakers provide realistic clanks and bangs as the virtual spreader and shipping containers are lumbered about and the trainee can experience the vagaries of wind, rain and even snow - something even many hours on live equipment could not provide.

The trainee's progress is monitored by a secondary computer system, not dissimilar to the electronic data logs found on many new high-end construction machines.

The PC draws a diagram of how and where the machine was manoeuvred, while also making a record of what controls were used and how ferociously. This information can be used for an accurate appraisal of the operator later on.

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