Computer-based training for the maritime industry

摘要

Computer based training (CBT) is alive and flourishing within the maritime industry. Shipowners, managers and colleges are utilising its benefits to train mariners of every rank. Current CBT is ideally designed to teach low-level subjects to individuals who enjoy studying at their own pace. It is being used in schools, on board ships and even at home, and is ideal for building knowledge and for refresher training. CBT will have a far greater potential within the maritime industry when it is further developed and its applications are better understood. For this to happen, the image of CBT as a quality product needs to be strengthened, its value (in relation to its price) needs to be defined and promoted, and its ability to complement and enhance other methods of training needs to be better understood by all sectors of the maritime training industry, CBT is not a training panacea on its own. Maritime CBT is an exciting medium, still in its infancy. Computer-based technology has the power to change the way we train and assess our seafarers in the future, and when this instrument is coupled to developing communication technologies such as the internet, who knows, there could be a revolution in the offing.