MANUAL DO

FORMADOR
PARA
SIMULADOR
DE PESCA
I INTRODUCTION. ........................................................................................................................ I
I.I GETTING STARTED .................................................................................................. I
1.1.1 Running the Simulator Program ................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Selection of a Page ................................................................................ 1
1.1.3 Loading an Exercise ..................................................................................... 1
1.1.4 Exercise Run and Freeze ...................................................................... 2
1.1.5The Sonics Equipment and Graphics Screens ............................................. 2
1.1.6 Changing the Values Displayed on the Pages ............................................ 2
1.1.7 Running an Exercise .................................................................................... 3
1.2 SUMMARY OF FEATURES .................................................................................... 3

2 EXERCISE CONTROL ............................................................................................................. S

2 .1 GENERAL ....................................................................................................................S
2.2 USING THE KEYBOARD TO CONTROL THE SLMULATION ............................. 5
2.3 SPECIAL INPUT FEATURES ...................................................................................5
2.3.J Duplication of Data....................................................................................... 5
2.3.2 Auto/Keyboard .............................................................................................5
2.3.3 Position Display ............................................................................................... -5
2.3.4 Position Taken from Graphics Overview Page .......................................... 6
2.3.5 Exit to DOS .......................................................................................... 6
2.4 THE R and Z COMMA.!"IT>S, Exercise Run, Exercise Freeze ................................. 6
2.5 PAGE A - Sonar .......................................................................................................... 6
2.6 PAGE B - Seabed ........................................................................................................ 7
2.7 PAGE C - Coordinates, Exercise Load and Save etc. .................................................7
2.7.1 Exercise Load and Save ............................................................................... 7
2.7.2 Exercise Initialization .......................................................................... 7
2.7.3 Exercise Record and Replay ....................................................................... 7
2.7.4 Graphics Printout ....................................................................................... 9
2.7.5 Exercise Time .............................................................................................. 9
2.7.6 Exercise Speed Control ................................................................................. 9
2.7 .7 Coordinate System .........................................................................................................9
2.7.8 Seabed ...........................................................................................................9
2.8 PAGE D - Debug .........................................................................................................10
2.9 PAGE DI - Directory .................................................................................................. 10
2.JO PAGE E - Echo Sounder 10
2.1I PAGE F - Fish shoals ............................................................................................... 11
2.11.1 Shoal Shape and Size ......................................................................... 11
2.J 1.2 Fish Representation .................................................................................. 11
2.11.3 Fish Density and Size .............................................................................. 11
2.11.4 Clump Effects ............................................................................................ 11
2.11.5 Scattering Layer Definition ..................................................................... 11
2.11.6 Fish Shoal Movement ...............................................................................12
2 12 PAGE FS - Fish shoal summary ............................................................................... 12
2.l 3 PAGE H - Help ....................................................................................................... 12
2.14 PAGE I - lnstruments ...................................................................................... 12
2.15 PAGEL- Calibration ............................................................................. 13
2 .1 6 PAGE M - Manoeuvring characteristics of Own Ship ........................................ 13
2.16.l Small Ship Model ....................................................................................13

2.16.2 Coefficient Ship Model ......................................................................... 13

2.16.3 Factors Affecting Both Types of Ship Model ..................... 14
2.16.4 Shallow Water Effects ........................................................................... 14
 2.16.4.1 Effects Observed in Reality ................................................... 14
2.16.4.2 Effects Simulated ............................................................................ 15
2.16.5 Pr edefined and User Definable Ship Models ...•. .................. 15
2.17 PAGE N - Net characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .•............................... 16
2.18 PAGE NE - Navaids Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• ...... 17
2.18.1 GP_S.................................................................................................................17
2. I 8.2 Radio Direction Finder .............................................................................. 17
2.18.3 Disable Navigation Aids ....................................................................... 17
2.18.4 NMEA0183 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . •......................................................................................................................17
2.19 PAGE O - Options ................................................................................................ 18
2.19.1 Ship+Net Graphics Display Options ..................................................... 18
2.19.2 Instruments and Navigation Page Options ................................................ 18
2.19.3 Graphics Overview Page Options ........................................................ J 8
2.19.4 Echo Sounder and Sonar ....................................................................... l 9
2.19.5 Seabed Outside Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . • ............. 19
2.19.6 Latitude Longitude Position Datum Shifts . . . . . . . . . • .......................... 19
2.19.7 Mercator Scale Factor ............................................................................ 20
2.20 PAGE P • Pinnacles ..............................................................................................20
2.21 PAGE Q - Memory display ................................................................................. 20
2.22 PAGES - Own Ship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• ........... 20
2.22.1 Ship Positio n, Spe e d, Cours e .................................................................... 20
2.22.2 Ship model number ................................................................................21
2.22.3 .-'\mbient Conditions ............................................................................. 21
2.22.4 Fishing lnfonnation . . . . . . . . . . . •................................................................................................................................................21
2.22.5 Fasteners ................................................................................................21
2.23 PAGE TX - Text .................................................................................................. 22
2.24 PAGE V - Events ................................................................................................. 22
2.25 PAGE W - Water & Tide . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• .......................... 22
2.25.1 Tide Effects....................................................................................... 22
2.25.2 Water Temperature ................................................................................ 23
2.26 IKSTRUCTOR'S GR...<\PHlCS SCREEN - GENERAL ....................................23
2.27 GR..t>.PHICS OVERVIEW PAGE .......................................................................... 24

3 FEATURES OF THE SIMULATION..................................................................................25

3.1 ECHO SOUNDER SIMULATION .......................................................................25
3.1.1 Scheduling and Output of the Trace ........................................................ 25
3.1.2 N o is e and Sea State ........................................................................................ 25
3.!.3FishMarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• ............................................................ 25
3.l.4SeabedMark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• . . . . . . . . . . . . . • ......... 26
3.1.5Net Sounder......................................................................................... 27
3.2 SONAR SIMULATION ........................................................................................ 27
3.2.1 Sea State and Reverberation Effects ........................................................ 27
3.2.2 Seabed Marks .......................................................................................... 27
3.2.3 Fish and Pinnacle Marks ......................................................................... 27
3.2.4 Marks from Purse Seine Net and Ship Wake . . . . . . . . . • .................... 28
3.3 TR.A.WLING ................................................................................................... 28
3.3.l Ship Behaviour . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • ......................... 28
3.3.2 Aground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •....................................... 28
3.3.3 Single Boat Trawl Behaviour .................................................................. 28
 3.3.4 Behaviour With Unequal Warp Lengths ................................................. 29
3.3.5 Calculation of Catch ............................................................................... 29
3.3.6 Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . .• .................................................... 29
3.3.7 Beam Trawling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • •................. 30
3.4 PURSE SEINING .................................................................................................. 31
3.4.1 Purse Seine Configuration....................................................................... 31
3.4.2 Setting and Pursing of the Net ................................................................ 31
3.4.3 Graphics Display .................................................................................... 32
3.4.4 Fish Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • .................................. 32
3.4.5 Ship Manoeuvring .......................................................................... 32
3.4.6 Effect of Currents ....................................................................................32
3.5 LONG LINING ......................................................................................................33
3.6 NAVIGATION ..6JDS ................................................................................................ 33
3.6. l GPS...................................................................................................................... 3
3.6.2 DF (Radio Direction Finder) ................................................................... 34
3.6.3 Navigation Station Data .......................................................................... 34
3.6.4 Errors ................................................................................................... 34

4 STUDENT'S GRAPHICS SCREEN DISPLAYS ................................................................ 34

4.1 IKST RUMENTS AND NAVIGATlOl\' DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • ................. 34
4.1.1 Instruments ............................................................................................. 34
4.1.2 Ship Control .................................................................................... 35
4.1.3 Na vigatio n aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .................. 35
4.1.3.l GPS....................................................................................... 35
4. l.3.2 DF (Radio DirectionFinder) ................................................. 35
4.2 SHIP+'N"ET GRA.P HICS D!SPLAY .............................................................................. 35

5 SOFTWARE .LL'ID DISK FlLES ................................................................................... 37

5.1 1 COMMAND LINE SWITCHES ............................................................................ 37
5.2 DIS K FILES A.ND DIREC T ORIES ................................................................................... 3 7
5.2 . l D is k Fil es Needed by the Simulator Program . . . . . . . . • ....................... 37
5.2.2 Exercise Redirection File • Exercise Data files . . . . . •. . . . . . • .......... 37
5.1.2.1 Exe: ! e Di!"e ! !"i-: ................................................................38
)· 7, ? Startup Cond1' t·10n . . . . . . . . . . . .• . . . . . .• • . . . .• ....................... 38
5.2.3 Installation and Backup Procedures . . . .• .................................................. 38
5.3 SYSTEMS MESSAGES ........................................................................................ 39

6 ADDffiONAL DETAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• ................................................................ 40

6.1 UTILITY PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• ................................................. 40
6.1.1 Program EXEDIT .................................................................................... 40
6.2 SEABED ................................................................................................................ 41
6.2.1 General ................................................................................................ 41
6.2.2 Seabed Details on the C Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • ............... 41
6.2.3 Seabed Details on the B Page ................................................................. 42
6.2.3.1 Depth and Roughness values . . . • .......................................... 42
6.2.3.2 Screen Display and Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • .................. 42

6.2.3.3 Subdivided Squares ..................................................................... 43

6.2.4 Multi-Seabed ............................................................................................... 43
6.3 POSITION FIXING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •................................44
6.3.1 Use of Positioning Method "X Y chart mm" ........................................... 44
6.3.2 Latitude Longitude - Earth Model Darurn Shifts . . . . . .• . . . . .• .......... 44
6.3.2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •..............................................................44
6.3.2.2 Entering the Datum Shifts ........................................................... 44
6.3.2.3 Applying the Datum Shifts- 0 Page .......................................... 45
LISBON SIMULATORS UPGRADE 1/2000
MAJOR SOFTWARE CHANGES SINCE ORIGINAL lNST."ILLATl ON

TEXT PAGES
General Position input. A position can be transferred from the AltG page cursor position to
any text page position field using " AltP".
► Information that can be entered using the keyboard is highlighted with a blue background.
► The SyStems message box is cleared automatically after 15s for less serious events.
C page. Exercise time can be accelerated, or a jump forward to future time made. This is
most useful when preparing radar exercises.
DI page A.n exercise (.EX) file or recording (.RCD) file can be selected by moving the
cursor dovm the page and ryping ENTER.
► The page works correctly for large numbers of files in a directory. Previously it only
worked correctly up to 90 files.
0 page. History dot interval unit is changed to second ro allow smaller values. (Useful if
you want to demonStrate manoeuvring behaviour of the ship) =
• Apply Mercator scale factor. S""itch it on for better accuracy with exercises that go a long
way N or S of the exercise origin.
M page The ship model to use with an own ship is decided by "Ship model number" on
the S page.
► Besides the previous ship models 1-6, there are models 7-15 that are predefined standard
ships and are not saved as part of a saved exercise.
• There are limited shallow water effects.
• The_"Big ship" model has been made invalid and gives a Systems message box error.
TX page This is a new page on which any detail about an exerc ise can be entered.
W page. Currents and tide heights that vary sinusoidally over che tidal period can be
defined. They work in combination with the normal S page figures.
• You can define an area where a differem ,vind and current act - the Currem Override
Box.. (Most useful when entering harbour or a river mouth).

GRAPHiCS PAGES
General The inStructor pages are controlled by a mouse. Where the size of a number needs
to be changed, use the right mouse button to increase, the left to decrease.
Alt G Many control functions can be done using the pick box at the top left.
• A display of depth contours can be switched on.
Ali N' Rct.Jiu L'ir ction finder. The radoi s1aLion can i:>e anacheci to a fixeci target vaciio OuoyJ or
a target ship (usuall y to practice homing in on a vessel in distress) on the TF page. In fact
those are the main uses of the DF si.n1ulation because shore stations are almost obsolete.
► There are •,,vind and current meters that can be controlled from the instructor's O page.
• A distance run meter, simple echo sounder, and GPS readout are added and obsolete
Navaids removed.

FISHING
• The trawl winches work separately.
► Purse seining. The software has been modified and the simulation should be more robust.
• Sonar. The echo of the purse seine net and ship's wake can appear on the sonar
(controlled from the A page).

LPAGE
Radar There are more options for controlling the radar. They are described in the hardware
manual.
NMEA messages. The messages co send can be controlled and a large number are available.
Printer If the prime r is a HP Deskj et, colour printing can be selected. The software can also be
adjusted to allow selection of A3 and A4 printers.

RADAR ECHO C..UCULATIONS

• T h e range decayof target ships is reprogrammed.
• Targets can have a fade factor that causes there intensity to fluctuate.
► There are limited side lobe effects controlled from the RA page.
• A fixed target can be a •S .<\RT (radar transponder usually placed on a life raft).
• The tuning control has no effect on echoes of a racon or SART.

OTHER
Multi -ship simulator. If a ship computer is not working, the o-wn ship continues at steady
course and speed (previously it stopped still). One result of this is
that the instructor program alo ne is suitable for preparatio n of rada r
exercises and the EXPRSIM program is no longer useful.
Position datum shifts. If high accuracy of positions is required, datum shifts between ea rth
models can be applied. This is controlled from ''Offset from WGS datum"
on the C page and "La t Long Posn Datum" on the O page.
Seabed Seabeds from several charts, or several sections of the same chart can be
combined together in one exercise. e.g., Seabed PORTCENT combines LISBOA,
SETUBAL and D...>J<OCA.

EXERCISE AREAS
Dover There is an improved version - DOVER95 which gives better accuracy than the old
DOVER88.
Gibraltar. Revised "vith improved acc uracy.
Portugal. The seabeds are reorganised as multi-seabeds, and the ones to use in most cases
are:
... 1........1,. ---· ..... . .. _ ---T'o , ,...."",,.. r,..,.,.,,...
i 'IV 1 U l C1 U ,u c:a r v r.. 1 .:'I V J:\.1 . .>DLJ
Centrlaarea PORTCENT.SBD
So uthern area PORTSUL.SBD
 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GETTING STARTED
This is a brief description of how to operate the simulator for the first time.

1.1.l Running the Simulator Program

The simulator program is a normal Command base simulator.

1.1.2 Selection of a Page

The instructor has a number of pages which he can call up 10 monitor and control an exercise.
Pages are selected by typing in the page letter a, the top left comer of the screen. The H page
gives an index of the pages available. To select the H page, proceed as follows. -,

Key to type Effect

"ESC 0
Return cursor 10 top left if not already there
H
"RETURN " Causes H command to take effect

The H page will now be displayed, and you can see which other pages are available. Try
selecting some of the other pages.

1.J.3 Loading an Exercise

• Most of the time, an instructor use exercises which he has prepared and saved on disk.The
commands 10 load an exercise are input on the C page, so return to that page.A
demonstration exercise is available called "DEMO". To load this, type the following.

Keys to type Effect

ESC Return cursor to top left

TAB Move cursor to "Exercise name"
"DEMO"
RETURN "DEMO" will be entered as the Exercise NameMove
TAB Cursor to "Load YIN"
"Y"
RETURN Causes exercise "DEMO" to be loaded

If you examine some of the pages again you will see the information that has been loaded
 from the disk. When an exercise is first set up, this information has to be entered through the
keyboard. It can then be saved to disk by giving it an "Exercise Name" and requesting "Save"
. on the C page.

1.1.4 Exercise Run and Freeze

When an exercise is loaded, it will be in an "Exercise Frozen" condition. Time does not
advance and the ships do not move. To start the exercise running, type Rat the top left screen
position. (Key sequence: "ESC" R "RETURN"). The ships will then move along, and the ship
controls will become active. Command Z causes the exercise to freeze. (Key sequence:
"ESC" Z "RETURN").

1.1.5 The Sonics Equipment and Graphics Screens

While the exercise is frozen, you can try out some of the following.

Echo sounder. The echo sounder should show a seabed at 140 m and a shoal of small fish in
rnidwater. Adjust the echo sounder controls until these are picked up. There is also a shoal_gf
larger fish close to the seabed which you should be able to detect using the bonorn locked
scale expansion.

Sonar, The fish shoals seen on the echo sounder are too weak to be detected by tlie sonar.
There is a stronger fish shoal ahead of the ship and also a pinnacle behind the ship, both
·approximately 300 rn away . You should be able 10 pick up both of these and the seabed echo
by selecting a suitable range and varying the tilt angle around 20 degrees.

In str umen ts and Naviga tion Dis play. Try the seabed depth indication marked "UKC"
(Under Keel Clearance) at the screen bottom right. Use the joystick (or mouse) to move the
cursor (a red cross) to the+ and- boxes for the depth alarm. Press on the action button to
adjust the Alarm depth. The depth is marked by a yellow marker, and the alarm sounds when
it is greater than the seabed depth.

Ship+l"et G raphics Display. Tnis is selectedby picking lhe small blue box at the top left of
the Instruments section of the Instruments and Navigation Display. The screen is split into
several windows. The student can control the display by the pick boxes on the left of each
window. See section 4.2 for full details. Examine the vertical and horizontal profiles. The
fish shoals and pinnacles displayed should agree with the echoes obtained on the echo
·o un<lr . ) ' ' 1· . -- • , '.... , .. t... - - 1• ... .. •1 - T,... _ _.. .,._.., "r.....:_,....:,..,_ ,..,....,...=,.,.. ..,..;,..v t-h .. t h irA
S '-' aJ U ::i0 1 aJ . l U \'\'ll._;!J. V'1\...f'\. LV U l C .!..U.:)U l.£U JC IU, -' u.u u "'" U J.,5 ...,.._.v u ..,.., .,. .., .. , r' * "" " " -.. - -· · · · -

pick box in the to p left window.

1.1.6 Changing the Values Displ ayed on the Pages

The seq uencc for changing a value is:
· A. Select required page. (e.g. "ESC" F "RETURN")
B. Move the cursor to the screen position where the information is displayed using
"TAB" or the arrow keys. Screen positions where data can be entered are highlighted
with a blue background.
C. Type a new value then "RETURN". If the new value is accepted, then "Ok" v.'ill
appear on the top line of the screen. If it is rejected, then an error message will appear.
Some useful exercises to try out are as follows.

2
Fish depth, size and density. These are controlled on the F page. The midwater shoal
appearing on the echo sounder is shoal 1. Try changing the values and observe the effect on
the echo sounder. See PAGE F for further details.

Fish shoal position. The easiest way to reposition a shoal is to use the "range and bearing
from ownship" method. Select the F page. First it is necessary to select the co rrect
positioning method . Type on FI until the positioning method is "Range m Bearing". Range
and bearing values can then be entered. The shoal ahead of the ship seen on the sonar is shoal
3. Try different range and bearing values and observe the result on sonar and ship+net
graphics display.

Echo sounder beam width and transmitted power. These are controlled from the E page.
. Try different values and observe the effect on the seabed and fish echoes.

Sbip+Net Graphics Display Options. These are controlled from the O page. The options
include the ability to enable or disable the fish disp lay, se lect between 2 different types of fish
representation,and switch on a display of the ship track on the horizontal pro file. The track
will only appear after the exercise has been running.

1.1.7 Running an Exercise

Exercise DEMO is a pelagic trawling exercise. Unfreeze the exercise ("ESC" R "RETUR...N")
and attempt to catch the large shoal ahead of the ship by manoeuvring ship and trawl.

Information about the ship and trawl is displayed on the S page. This includes the catc h and
conditions such as trawl damage, and "Gear Collapsed". A record of such details is kept on
the V page to assist in assessing student performance.

1.2 SUMMARY OF FEATURES

Th e student's position is equipped with two echo sounder and a Furuno single beam sonar.
Either echo sounder can functio n as a net sound er.

Th e simulator can be used to show the type of echo return obtained from different targets
(fish, seabed, pinnacles etc), and how the echo sounder and so nar controls influence the
displa y. The design features of the echo sounder and sonar (power, pulse length, beam width,
frequency etc.) can be set to the figures for tile equipmem acruaiiy in use, or they can bt:
varied to see what would b e t he resulting effect on the display. The operating condit ions (ship
speed, sea state etc.) ill also influence the display in an appropria te way.

The ship and net manoeuvring simulation allow the sonics equipment to be used in realistic
fishing exercises. It is poss ible to change t he characteristics of ship and net to simulate the
behaviour of different types of ship and net. The fishing methods which can be sim ulated are
single boat demersal and pelagic trawling, pair trawling, purse seining and long lining. A
demersal trawl can be an otter trawl or a beam traw l. Th e s im u latio n incl udes calcul atio n of
catch, and response of t'.1enet when a fastener is struck. An exercise can be set up by defini ng
the seabed, and fish shoals and pinnacles within an exercise are a .

3
 The shjp+net graphics display gives a presentation of ship, net, seabed, fish shoals and
pinnacles. These can be shown on a horizontal or vertical profile. Origin shift and zoom can
be selected by screen picking using a joystick controlled cursor. The display can be in true or
relative motion. The object of the ship+net graphics display is to give training in net
·manoeuvring, and to show how sonics displays relate to the sit uation around the ship and net.

The navigation aids simulation includes GPS and Radio Direction Finder. Station position
information is read from a disk data file which is easily modified by the instructor. Errors can
be applied to the readings. The trainee can select any of the available chains or frequencies by
screen picking.

There are special features of the seabed definition system to allow narrow channels to be
acc ura tely defined for use in navigation exercises.

4
 2 EXERCISE CONTROL
2.1 GENERAL
Display and input of exercise information is done through the instructor's text pages. Each
Page is specified by a Jetter. In most cases the page letter is followed bya number. The
numbered pages allow specification of, for example, several fish shoals.

2.2 USING THE KEYBOARD TO CONTROL THE SIMULATION

The pages display information showing the current state of the exercise. When the simulator
program first runs it automatically reads exercise data from a file DEF.A.ULT.EX. This file
can be changed by the user. It can be re-loaded to return to the initial condition.

Displayed exercise information which cao be changed using the keyboard is high]ighted with
a blue background. To make a change, move the cursor to the screen position where the
information is displayed and type in a new value, then RETURN. If the new value is
accepted. Ok appears on the top line of the screen; if not, an error message appears (for
example, if the new value lies outside of sensible bounds).

With the cursor at the screen top left position, pages can be selected by typing in the page
letters (and number if required). To move to other screen positions, the cursor control keys
(arrows) are used to move the cursor around the screen. The TAB key causes a jump to the
next modifiable field, and SHIFT TAB to the previous. The ESC or HOME key causes a
return to the top left screen position.

lf a printer is attached to the computer then a printout of a text page can be requested at any
time by ryping PRJNT SCREE N.

2.3 SPECIAL INPUTFEATURES

2.3.J Dup lica tion of Data

· rn cases where there are several sets of information such as ship models (on the M page), it
may be wished to construct nvo sets 'with only minor differences. This can bedone ea, ily by
+u-;....,... ; .... ,, •,;>1 .. o r .... "r l'\ M
T"•• ...... "hin l\A',v fp,J N nr n T"11 ThP- c:h i n mnnPI \.\,; 11 thP.n hP: rhtnlic-..;ltec1
'.Jl"' o •.,.- .....4 ... ... . .
.. _,..,r--,: . .... - - - :-- •·•---• ..•-···- -· • ---- -- r ., ,.. ·• ·-·-- · ,., · ·

at the new ship model number, and the desired changes can be made.

2.3.2 Auto/Kevboard
In several plac s there is an option where information can be input through the keyboard, or
taken from some other source. This is controlled by typing in the "Auto/Keyboard" position
"A" for auto or "K" for keyboard control at the appropriate screen position. An examples is
the echo sounder pulse length which can be measured from the transmit pulse or contro lled
directly by the instructor.

2.3.3 Position Display

\\'here a position appears on the screen, there are a number of differem methods that can be

5
 used for display and input. A function key is used to cycle through the options. The function
key to be used is shown on the screen. e.g. "{F2}". The options are:
• Metre from the exercise origin, X and Y.
► Millimetre on a chart, X and Y. (The chart is defined on the C page.)
• Latitude and longitude.
• ► Range and bearing from the Own Ship in metre.
► Range and bearing from the Own Ship in nautical miles.

The range and bearing options are limited to a range of32000 m or 35 nm. Greater values
give a blank screen.

2.3.4 Position Taken from Graphics Overview Page

The Graphics Overview Page cursor can be used to give a position to be entered on a text
page. Move the text page cursor to where the position is to be entered, then type Alt P.

2.3.5 E;xH to DO S
To exit to DOS, type Ctr! C or Alt X. The program asks for confirmation to avoid an
accidental exit. The exercise situation will be lost unless it has been saved on the C page.

2.4 THE Rand Z COMMANDS, ExerciseRun, Exercise Freeze

These commands can be input when the cursor is at the top left position. \llhen frozen, only
the ship manoeuvring and position updates stop working. Other equipment v. 11 function as
normal. This allows the exercise to be halted at any instant to try out effectssuch as adjusting
· the controls of the radar or echo sounder .

2.5 PAGE A - Sonar

This page allows control of frequency, pulse length, beam mdth and power of the sonar. See
the E page for further details. The effect of frequency changes will be found lO be
considerable because the increased sound absorption at high frequency becomes important at
typical sonar ranges.

The strength of echoes received from a purse seine net and the ship's wake can be. controlled.
1n reality these echoes are important when making a purse seine set, and the echo strengths
depend mainiy on sonar frequency (nigh frequency give:> a lluuge:r cchu fur ttJ5 type vf
target) and environmental conditions such as sea state. In the simulation, the echo strengths
are given directly.
Purse seine net echo strength decides if the net is sonar detectab,le and the strength of the
echo. A value of 50 gives an echo of average strength, but in some situations the net may be
barely detectable and a lower value will be appropriate.
Wake echo strength works in a similar way for the ship's wake.
\ Yake echo pers is ten ce time decides the length of time the wake remains detectable. A
typical figure is 5 minutes in a calm water situation.

The sonar calculations can be made assuming a straight line path for the sound waves, or
alternatively allowance for refractioncan be made. This is selcted on the O page. lf refraction

6
is to be allowed for, it is considered to be caused by a variation of w-ater temperature with
depth. The depth • temperature profile is defined on the W page. (This feature does not work
properly at 2/99).

2.6 PAGE B - Seabed

This page defines the seabed profile over the exercise area. It is only of interest to those
wishing to prepare their own seabeds. See section SEABED at the end of this manual.

2.7 PAGE C - Coordina tes, Exercise Load and Save et .

2.7.1 Exercise Load and Save

f acilities for saving and loading exercises, seabeds, and radar landmasses are included on this
page. Each of these can be given a name, and then loaded from disk as required. This is done
by typing in "Y" in the "Load YIN" position. Exercises and seabeds can also be saved by
· typing"Y" in the "Save YIN" position. When an exercise is saved, the seabed and landmaS"
names are saved rather than the actual data. When an exercise is loaded, the seabed and
landmassfiles are automatically loaded. Name extensions are automatically added to the
names given. They are ".EX", ".SBD" and ".LND". When a new file is created, one backup is
maintained with extension ".EBK" for an exercise file or ''.SBK" for a seabed file. Note
that .LND files and .SBD files can contain "include file" commands that request loading of
further .LND or .SBD files, so a "No file" message may give a different file name from the
one that appears on the.C page. When exercises are saved they are v.-Titten to the first
directoryshown on the DI page, normally directory ISIM\EX.

When saving files, confirmation requests and warnings are used to reduce the risk of
overwriting valuable data. Whenever an ex isting file is to be overwritten, confirmation has to
be given. Normally a file being saved will be a new file, or a modified version of an existing
one. If an attempt is made to save a file with the same name as an existing one. but v.-ithou1
first loading the existing file. an additional warning message is displayed, "Warning, file
exists but not loaded".

2.7.2 Exercise Initialisation

The initial state of the exercise is stored in a special exercise file DEFAULT.EX which is
· automat ica lly read in at starrup from the default directory (the one that contains the simulator
program LISBDET.Ell J. 1o change the initiai State., set up tile cies ireu <::xcr r.:i:;; si.ai<:: ,,ud
save it with exercise name "DEFAULT". !fa redirection file is in use it will also be. necessary
to copy the new DEFAULT.EX to the defaultdirectory (normally by DOS command "COPY
EX\DEFAULT.EX"). If file DEFAULT.EX is not found at startup an error message is
displayed and the simulator "'i.ll not run until an exercise is loaded. There is a second method
of selecting a starting exercise. See section "Exercise Redirection File" for further details.

2.7.3 Exercise Record and Replay

Record and replay are controlled by the centre part of the C page. Recording can be switched
on manually, or it can be preset between given start and end times. When recording begins,
the state of the exercise is saved to disk in the same format as a saved exercise. f urther
information is then written to the file as time passes. Anything entered through the keyboard

7
 is written to the file. At the record interval, the own ship data, and the positions of all moving
target ships and fishshoals are also written. Record will normally be terminated either
manually, or when the "End Time" is reached. Record will be terminated automatically if an
exercise is loaded or the simulation program exitted. The name given to the record file is the
name of the exercise. The name extension is .RCD. The same .RCD file will be written every
time a recording is made with a particular exercise. If it is wished to save a .RCD file for long
term future reference, a different "Exercise Name" should be entered before starting to record.
·(Alternatively, use the DOS "RENAME" command on completion of recording).

When "Preset" record is switched on, a programmed start and end time for recording can be
entered. The sofhvare controls "Manual" record by switching it on and off at the specified
times. Manual record can still be controlled from the keyboard as normal. Note that when
Manual record starts, the software prompts for confirmation if an existing .RCD file is to be
overwritten, but when Preset record starts the file is overwritten without a request for
confirmation. This allows the Preset recording to be made without operator interve11tion.

A suitable value for "Record Interval" depends on the type of exercise. Recommended values
are:
Radar and navigation exercise 60s
Trawling exercise 30s
Purse seine exercise IOs
Short demonstration. e.g.how echo
sounder marks vary with conditions Is

Replay is started by typing "Y" in the Replay YIN position. The saved state of the exercise is
· read from disk. Progress of the replay can then be controlled by "R " and "Z" in the same way
as an exercise. During "Replay Running", data up to the end of a record interval are read from
disk, then held for the length ohime given as "Replay Interval". For fastest replay rate, use
"Replay Interval 0". It is possible to skip forwards to a particular time of interest by typing
the time as "Replay Time". Replay can be ended at any time by typing "N" in the "Replay
YIN" position. The exercise situation will then be the same as when it was recorded, and the
exercise can be continued from that position if desired. When the end of the record file is
reached, the system is beld in a "Replay Frozen" condition until replay is switched off
manually. This is done to allow examination or printing ofthe graphics overview page which
i,.1e s e. ff !!!di
! yd1.!ri g R p!?.y. Most of he C".ontrol fiJnctlon needed during "Replay"
s
can be performed on the Graphics Overview page using the mouse as an alternative to
keyboard input.

By using values of"Record Interval ls" and "Replay Interval ls " it is possible to carry out
a demonstration, then replay it ac the same speed with full realism, but without operator
intervention. .A.n example is showing how echo sounder marks vary with conditions. The
instructor can carry out the exercise once using the ship controls or entering values through
the keyboard. To repeat the demonstration, it is only necessary to replay the exercise.

· When Record, Replay, or Print are active, the screen display is made in inverse video to give
a clear indication.

8
 2.7.4 Graphics Printout
A printout of the information on the Graphics Overview Page is made. The printout can be
made in monochrome , or in colour for printers that support colour printing. Sec PAGEL in
the hardware section for instructions how to configure the printer. The printout differs in
some respects from the Graphics Overview Page:
► The resolution is improved.
► For colour printing the Own Ship is coloured cyan.
► The Own Ship is marked with a 'S' and target ships with a ' T'.
► Printing of depth contours is not supported.

2.7.5 ExerciseTime
The value for Exercise Time which is displayed on the top line of every page can be
initialised on this page.

2.7.6 Exercise Speed Control

"Acceleration Factor" is the rate of progress of an exercise relative to real time. For normaL
running of an exercise the value should be I. Higher values are useful when trying out a new
· exercise during exercise preparation, or to progress rapidly through part of an exercise that is
not of much imerest. Accelerated time is most likely to be useful when the own ships are
travelling in straight lines.

It is also possible to move rapidly forward to a particular exercise time by entering that time
as "Fast forward time".

2.7.7 Coordinate System

The basic method of specifying and storing positions is an X,Y coordinate system with units
of metre from the exercise origin (Coordinatesare imemally stored with units of 1/256 m).
Wherever a position is displayed, alternative methods can be selected: X,Y in mm on a chart;
latitude longitude: range and bearing from an own ship.

The origin position is given as "Exercise Origin Lat Long". Any position near the exercise
area can be used, but normally the bottom left comer of the chart is used. The origin position
should not be changed for an established exercise area because positions such as ship and
fo<ed target positions are stored relative to the origin.
Tr • •. •• •• • • • .• • • : _ .' - ,_: .._• .)_ 1 _; - . ,J -, - - -! •! - - - ;,.. _.,__..,. ; ,. .,, :♦ ; _,. ,...,.. ,.._,-<:' , t-,..._ J">l,.;> '31"'t"'l"'11T'\f/'\f
11g1t::ill (lf.,: U1 \,,)' ill li:1-U LU U C 1vu5nuuv J,IV,:uuvu.;, , , ....'1 J......... .. .. ..... .....,...,.. _ ....... ---· -------- ·.
. ... .........
· the earth model. To use positioning method "X,Y mm on a chart" it is necessary to enter the
chart origin and scale. See section POSITION FIXING at the end of this manual for more
information.

2.7.8 Seabed
This is only of interest to those wishing to prepare their own seabeds. See section SEABED at
the end of this manual.

9
 2.8 PAGED - Debug
See the hardware manual for details.

2.9 PAGE DI - Directory

The page givesa directory of exercise files. All files with extensions ".EX", ".SBD",." LN"D"
and".RCD" are li s ted . The files are those in all accessible directories as given in file
SIM.RED. If the listing exceeds one page, pages D12, D13.. give further information. The
lsit ing is constructed when the simulator program first runs, so it does not immediately show
new files that are created. Exercise (.EX) files and recorded exercise. ( RCD) files can be
sel ected for loading by moving the cursor to the file name and typing RETURN.

2.10 PAGE E - Echo sounder

.T his page controls the characteristics of three echo sounders. The page contains the followin
g
features. ~
Any nonnaJ echo sounder can be selected to function as a ship's echo sounder or as aca b le
type net sounder. Acoustic link type net sounders require special hardware and are
pre-assigned to their echo sounder number.A dual frequency sounder connects to two echo
sounder channels and is controlled as if it was two separate sounders.

Frequency.
This does NOT control the frequency of the return echoes generated. It is used in the
ca lcul at io ns of absorption losses, and noise level in the echo sounder com pu tat ion s. In
pr ac ti ce, these effects are not very significant at normal echo sounder ranges. The main effect
observed in reality ""ith changing frequency is due to the beam width, and consequenlty the
acoustic source level, changing. (High frequency gives a narrow beam). In the simulation,
beam width is input as a separate quantity.

Pulse length.
This can be measured from the transmission pulse, or input through the keyboard as
requested by the Auto/K eyboard command.

Beam width.
Th;;;;ffec,; the: slmp e of me fish marks and the number in the beam, the acoustic source level
of the sounder, the length of the seabed mark, and the noise level.

Transmitted power.
This only affects the acoustic source level of the sounder, which is displayed, but cannot be
directly changed. It is calculated from the Transmitted power, and Beam 1Nidth assuming
typical values of transducer efficiency and directivity pattern.
 2.11 PAGE F - Fish shoals
Each page gives the information for one fish shoal consisting of:-

2.11.1 Shoal Shape and Size

The shoals are rectangular in shape. "Position" is the centre of the rectangle, and "Side
Lengths" give the dimensions of the rectangle. Shoal depth is given as the top depth and
-ve rtical extent . Top depth can be measured downward from the surface or upw-ards from the
seabed. Examples, 35S means top depth 35 m from the surface, 2B means top depth 2 m up
from the seabed. Layers of fish close to the seabed should be defined using B so that their
position relative to the seabed does not change with water de.oth.

Shoals that are defined relative to the sea bed and are located immediately adjacent to the
seabed or overlap it have their vertical distribution skewed towards the seabed. Other shoals
are concentrated at the centre of their given depth interval.

2.11.2 Fish Representation

There are 4 different ways in which echoes can be generated from a fish shoal. These are
"Individual fish", "Group ec ho", "Mixed" (mixrure of individual and group echo) and
"Scattering layer". See the section "ECHO SOUNDER SrMULATION • Fish Marks" for
funher details.

2.11.3 Fish Density and Size

Densi ty defines the quantity of fish in terms of fish mass rather then num bers of fish. The unit
is logarithmic, an increase of8 giving rn ce the mass of fish. It can ran ge fro m Oto 99. If
density is less than 30, the shoal is considerednot to be de tec ta ble by so nar.

Size is the fish length in centimetre. A large value wiU result in few strong fish marks, and a
small value in many weak fish marks. If the value is less than 14, then no single fish marks
" II be generated and the fish can not be caught.

2.11.4 Clum p Effects

These determine whether a steady even distribution of fish echoes is generated,or the marks
are concentrated together. An unrealistic uniformity of the marks can thus be avoided. Clump
Factor determines the extent of the clump effect. Values up to I5 give continuous fish echoes.
Values greater than 15 give regions of high concentration with intervening gaps. Clump
W l..4t'h '"'""..-. ,.""1(' 'tho ,:,. -..o ,..,,f:' <1>\..o ,..1 ........ -.-. ,..,.._..,._..+,..,,..I
• • .-.- -.. .. ...... ......,..... .... .., .,._,._..., ...,. .., .... ...............u
.. .t'" 6'"'""""'"°""""'•

The c lu mping effects are position dependent. Within a shoal, a strong concentration will
always appear at the same position. The effects will not be observed if the shjp is stationary,
or the exercise frozen.

2.11.5 Scattering Layer Definition

A scattering layer mark is made up of small regions of fixed intensity. The size of the regions
is random and is determined by "Horizontal correlation", and "Ven ical correlation". Average
· intensity is fixed by "Intensity" which is equivalent to "Fish density" for other types of shoal.
In order to allow the definition of weak scanering layers, negative values of "Intensity" can be
used. They extend the same logarithmic scale, but values of0 still mean zero intensity. Varia-

II
 tion about the average intensity are given by "Intensity variation".

It is possi ble to avoid a sudden change in intensity at the top and bottom of the layer. This is
done by specifying "Rise distance" and "Fall distance". Both are given as percentage of the
vertical extent of the layer. Within the "Rise" and "Fall" zone, average intensity varies
linearly with depth. The only effect of "Fish size" for a scattering layer is in deciding if a fish
shoal can be caught.

2.11.6 Fish Shoal Movement

Shoal movement can be caused by direct instructor input, or during a purse seine exercise it
may be automatically calculated when a fish shoal tries to escape the net.

Fright Factor controls the size of changes to the course, speed and sink rate which are
autom atically made to simulate response of a shoal to the purse seine net. A high value will
make a shoal more difficult to catch.

Course and Speed of the shoal control movement of the shoal in the horizontal plane. This is
most likely to be required in pelagic fishing exercises. Correct setting of a purse seine net or
-
shooting of a pelagic trawl may need to take account of shoal movement. At a later stage, the
fish may be attempting to escape a trawl or plLTse seine net. In pelagic trawling, fish often
collect in the mouth of the trawl. and swim along for some distance, giving the appearance of
a large shoal on the net sounder. This type of behaviour can be simu lated by giving the shoal
a course and speed equal to that of the ship when the shoal reaches the net position.

Sink rate allows a shoal to move through the water in the vertical direction. Its main use is in
purse seine exe rcis e s whe re fish may dive to escape the net. A value is not normally input by
the instructor, but is automatically calculaied as a response to the purse seine net.

2.12 PAGE FS - Fish shoal summary

Tl:>js page displays the most important fish shoal de1ails with IS shoals on each page. It gives
the instructor an overview of the exercise situation.

2.13 PAGE H - Help

This displays an index of the pages available, together with a description of the use of the
. ,..,..,._ .,._,...J
1, c• · -
... ...,...u .;. v ;. ,.,....J, ..)·

2. 1 4 PAGE I - Instruments

This pagedisplays the readings oftbe control le ve rs, au top ilo t an d sonar till and bearing. It is
used to check for correct operation, and so the instructor has an overview of student action.
Most of the items displayed have an instructor override by emering "Disable Y''. The values
are then controlled by keyboard entry. This allows simulation of eq uipment failures.

12
 2.15 PAGEL - Calibration

This page is used for hardware configuration. See the hardware section for further details.

2.16 PAGE M - Manoeuvring characteristics of Own Ship

This page allows the manoeuvring characteristics of the Own Ship to be specified. There are
several M pages defining ship characteristics. Some simulators allow selection of the active
ship model for an Own Ship by giving the "Ship model number" on the S page. If this feature
·is not provided, then page Ml gives the ship model for Own Ship !, M2 for Ovm Ship 1 etc.

There are two basic types of ship model available.

Small ship. Most of the detail of the model has been developed to simulate the behaviour of
fishing vessels, but it can be used for most types of small ship up to a maximum Ship Mass of
3000 tonnes. A force balance approach is used. It is not recommended to use this model when
defining new ships to be used for radar exercises.

Coefficients. Ship behaviour is specified by coefficients such as maximum speed and mm

rate, and acceleration time constants. This makes it very easy to get a desired manoeuvring
capability. The mathematical model used is a simple one, but it is quite adequate for many
situations. Wind and current still have an effect on ship behaviour, and limited shallow water
effects are included.

2.16. l Small Ship Model

Ship Mass is the ship's displacement and it affects acceleration and deceleration rates, and
the drag characteristics of the vessel.

Ship Power is the shaft horse power expressed in kW.

Drag Factor is used to allow for effects of hull shape on ship drag. When mass and power
have been set to their required values, adjust the drag factor to give a desired free steaming
speed at full power. Ty'])ical values are 100 to 300.

Tum rate factor approximates to the maximum tum rate in degrees per minute when free
steaming at fulI power.

2.16.2 Coefficient Ship Model

Ship Mass affects the rate of rudder movement, the deceleration rate when turning, and
appearance of the ship as a radar target.

Acceleration time constant controls the rate at which ship speed increases when
accelerating. In this time interval, the speed change is 62% of the change needed to reach the
terminal speed.

Decelerationtime constant works in a similar way when decelerating. It applies when the
ship is not turning. When turning, response is usually more rapid because of the increased

13
 ship drag. Th effect is mo t important for large ships which can be slowed down much more
· rapidly b, turning than using engine power. The effect programmed incr ases with ship size
and the value of ''Speed reduction in turn". The effect for a 250000 tonne ship with 70%
speed r duction is a time constant 0% ofth "not turning'' valu .

Maximum turn rate is the final steady turn rate reached at maximum sp d and maximum
rudder. This rate may be exceed d durin the early st ges of a turn when ship speed will
normally exceed th final turning speed.

ind force factor allows he effect of wind on the ship to be varied. Gse a high val ue for a
ship that has a lot of superstructure out of the water such as a ferry. Use a low value for a ship
that is mainly submerged uch as a loaded tanker. 50% gi es behaviour for an a rage shi

ide lip factor controls the amoun of side sl"p when the ship is turn.in_. The effect of th
factor is easily seen by comparing e value of Course (=co urse made good) and Heading on
the page when the ship is making a turn. A valu of 0 gi es no side slip. A value of 50%
gi es behaviour for an averag hip, and typically cau es Course to lag _Q 0 behind Heading
when the s ip is ruming at full rudder.

. 2.16.3 Factor_ Affecting Both Types of hi .. ode)

Delay at tart of tum is th time delay before a change in rudder posi ion affects ship
mano uvring. A suitable val is quite small for a small ship. but mayb up to 20 for a larg
hip. ote that there is an addi ional delay in r sponse of the rudd r to rudder d mand. This is
mod lied y a ti.me constanr whic is cal ated from Ship ass and "ari from 2-. s o a
small ship o 1-s for a large one (100.000 tonne).

tern swing to tarboard

\\nen goin_ astern th effec o tranSver e thrus sually causes the ships head to swing o
tar oard. This e ect is optional as _hips v.ith twin pro ellor , or a nozzle around the
propellor do no show th effec .

Maximum Revolution only affec the r din=- obtained on th engine or propellor

re olutions met r.

ide thruster power

The side lS can he 1.1 Pri t0 t:" 1:. id':'' 1 ,. - !!!c ·e e_! . !be - ip : f : t' ;.
The power of the thrust rs can be controlled in the range 0 to _oo % v,here l 00 is the
. tandard 1gure. For sirua ion where us of side thrust rs i not ap ropria e. th y can
.di abl entering powe of 0.

Keel Depth a LS the range of onics return ech s, and the point at hi h a shi \\,ill go
aground.

2.16.4 hallow ater Effects

2.16.4.1 Effect Ob erved in Reality
Shallow water effects come into play wh n water depth is l ss than m-ice the ship's normal
keel dept . The main effects ob erved ar :

14
A. Squat. This is the name given to an increase in keel depth. The cause ofit is suction
that develops when a liquid is forced through a narrow channel. A simplified
expression for calculation is Squat= C8 "' V1 / 100
C8 Block coefficient (0.6 to 0.9)V
Ship speed in knot
Squat Increase in keel depth in metre
B. Close to the bank of a channel, or close to another ship, the ship may be pulled
sideways towards the bank or 2nd ship because of the effect of lateral suction. The
amount of squat may also be increased.
C. An increase in water resistance giving a decrease in ship speed.
D. A reduction in effectiveness of the rudder, and possibly in the time taken for a change
in rudder angle to give an effect.
A directional instability. The ship tends to veer off to one side.
2.16.4.2Effects Simulated
A. Squat is calculated from the given equation. Block coefficient is an operator inpuUf
the ship goes aground because of squat, the squat value is held fixed so that it remains
aground unti I the instructor intervenes.
B. The effects mentioned above are not programmed because they are rather complex
and not of much importance for a radar simulator that is mainly used in an open water
situation.
C. Speed reduction gives the desired decrease in speed.
D. Turn rate reduction gives the desired decrease in rudder effectiveness.
E. Turning instability factor controls the effect programmed. The formulation is based
on the idea that the effect is caused by water piling up on one side ofthe bow when
the ship starts to side slip during a tum, and this causes the turn rate to increase. The effect
observed for moderate values is that the ship will tend to veer off to one side. If it is
under control of the autopilot, it will overswing. The effect observed for large values is
that the ship will go round in circles, and the only way to bring it out of that behaviour
is to reduce speed. The severity of the effect depends considerably on initial ship
speed and "Speed reduction in turn". For a value of 60%, starting from full speed, a
"Turning instability factor" of 50% to 70% "'ill give the "moderate" response, and
greater than 80% will give the "large" response.

The shallow water effects are only programmed for the Coefficient model.

2.16.5 Predefined and User Definable Ship Models

The first 6 ship models on pages Ml to M6 are fully user definable in the nonnal way. There
are a further 9 ship models on pages M7 to MIS that are predefined and are not saved as part of
a saved exercise. The object is to make a range of fixed ship models available. If it is ""ished to
use one of the fixed ship models, but change some of the characteristics, this can be done by
copying the page to one of the pages Ml to M6 by entering a value for "Copy 10 Ship Model
Number". The characteristics can then be changed and saved in the normal way. The
predefined models are as follows:
Page Name Type of ship
M7 NEW GENERATION A small cargo ship

15
 M8 SALLY STAR A medium sized cargo ship
M9 NORSEA A large passenger and car ferry
-MIO BERNTCIA A large oil tanker
Mil SCH123Z A large rug
Ml2 ORSINO A large trawler
M13 ZAIMA A small trawler
Ml4 PURSER A purse seine fishing boat
MIS EGMONDGRACHT A Dutch medium sized cargo ship. A lot of details about
the ship including manoeuvring behaviour and sta bility
calculations are given in book "SCHEEPSGEGEVENS"
by K. van Dokum (ISBN 90-70348-54-3) in a mixture
of Dutch and English. A related book in the series is
"OPGAVEN BEL ADINGSTECHNOLOGIE" (ISBN
90-70348-52-7) in Dutch only.

2.17 PAGE N - Net characteristics

This page allows a trawl, purse seine net or long line to be defined.

For a trawl. the information includes length of bridle and tow leg. Weight of door, wing end
weights (each side), and headline flotation (total) affect the mouth opening, and sink rate of
· the trawl. Variations of the drag characteristics of the net are made by specifying a value for
"Net Power". This is the power required to tow the ne1at a typical tov.ring speed of 4 knots.
At trawling speeds, ships do not develop their full power, so a suitable value is 30% to 50%
of "Ship Power" defined on the M Page. An approximate relationship between Net Power and
Warp Load is:

Net Power (k'WJ = Total Warp Load at 4 knots [tonnes] x 20

For a beam trawl, 1here are some differences as the trawl has no tow leg, and the bridles are
rather different from an otter trawl. The length of the beam is an addit ion al varia ble.

For a purse seine net, the information required is the size of the net, and its free sink rate.
The simulation of purse seining includes the effect of sub-surface currents, and these are also
defined on the N page . Speed, direction, and top depth can be defined for two current layers,
,.._,.; ...1...,.. .t..... t..........,._ .J .1 r ...1-,.. - .J , __ _ 'T"1.- - .-.• --- - - · - ...... . . .... 1...- _.J .., C: .,. • .J : .... · - .J· ~ . r
....u. .... ,,u.:>v Ul'- VVUVUI u CF'- ' VJ.\.l.J. -'UV u::r._.Y....·1 , J.U .... 1,,,\,.IJ.J. UI...> UJ.U,:H VI,,, U l,,...U .J.JVV u.s VJV\..1 VJ
•

increasing depth. The current defined on the S page applies above the first current layer. and
the water below 1he second layer is assumed to be stationary with respect to the seabed.

For a long line, the geometry of the line can be defined . The main line consists of a nwnber of
· unit lines. A unit line has a number of evenly spaced branch lines which carry the hooks, and
each end is connected by a buoy line to a buoy. The length of a unit line is: (number of branch
lines+ I) x distance between branch lines. Length of unit line and length of buoy line and
branch line should be adjusted so that the hooks lie at the required depth, and number of unit
lines in main line should be adjusted so that the setting and hauling take the desired length of
time.

16
 There ar several · pages. They operate in the sam Vv'aY as the M page.

2.18 PAGE NE - Navaids Errors

2.18.1 GPS
Fixed errors ar in minut sand are appli d directly to the latitu de longitude. ariabl errors
are given as '%', and the figure can vary from Oto 200. ·a1ues up to 100 give the error_
normally expected for the navigation method. Values above I00 give greater errors such as
may be expected in adverse conditions, or when the signals are malfunctionin . Th display
of "DO P11 (dilution of precision) on the Instruments and avi(mtion Page gives the _ mdent an
indication of the size of variable errors being applied.

. There are 2 ets f error figures. "GP " controls the I struments and Navigation Page
readout. and the first MEA0183 GLL m ssage smtched on by "GLL" on the L page.
''G PS1 " controls the GLL message swit hed on b) "GT.2" on the L page. The errors are only
applied to NME 0183 m s ages if ''NMEA Lac Long Talk.er" (se below ) is set to G =GE£ ).

2.18.2 Radio Direction Finder

Maximum range is the maximum rnnge of the transmitting station for a signal to be picked
up. Note also that stations are only read from the na igation station data file if th > lie °"'ithin
2000 km of the exercise origin. ariable errors work in a similar way to GPS. Besides the
variable error factor, they also depend on signal strength as sho""n in the IG L 'EL box.

The usual source of error for DF bearings is th effect of the shi p's StrU nrre on the radio
wave. The error varies with the signal direction and is orrected by means of a calibration
curve. Such a curve can b defined by entering valu sin a table on the E page. . c.orrection
is given for observed bearings relative to ship's ead at 10 degree interva ls . The correction is
the figure in degrees to add to the observed DF bearing to get an accurate bearing.

2.18.3 Disable ·a,i gatioo A.ids

The na igation aids can · e indivi all) disa led. The effect is that· e dispia_ box on the
· student's na\·igation ai display becomes inoperati e, and EAO183 messages that use that
na igation aid as their talker 1D are no longer tran mitted.

2.18.4 NMEA0183 Mes ages

.,.l'.m A L;.i Luug Tiitkea' 011uvls UJ 'rviEA utik.c:1 ill ( l:il'1,Hl\.:L r 2 &3) in che ... i..2Avi o
latitude longitude messa ges. The fir t value controls the message switch don by "GL " on
the l page, and econdary talker controls th me sage sv,ritched on by ''GL2". The o tions
"Loran" and "D a" are only re ·" ned to support older installations. Modem installa ions \\ill
probably want to swit h both fields to GPS.

Errors are applied to NMEA0183 positions in the same way as they are applied to screen
readouts. They depend on the selected talker ID.

A di pla) of MEAO18" me sages being output is made. The NMEA messages to be output
are selected on the page. ee the hardware manual for further details.

17
 2.19 PAGE O - Options
This page allows some optional features of the simulation to be selected by the instructor.

2.19.1 Ship+Net Graphics Display Options

This display is not a piece of equipment available on real fishing vessels. Very often trainees
use it in preference to the sonics equipment for obtaining information such as fish shoal
positions. Options are therefore included to limit the functions of the display. It can be
disabled altogether. or the display of fish shoals or pinnacles can be disabled. Another option
rel2tes to the appearance of fish on Lhe display. They can be displayed as a fish sym!:>o!, or as
green speckles.

On the horizontal profile of the ship+net graphics display, it is possible to switch on a display
of history dots which show the ship's track. These assist the trainee in appreciating events,
and are quite valuable for exercise debriefing. There are 200 history dots. The time interval at
which they are stored is selectable. This allows accurate tracking of a short exercise, or less,
detailed tracking over a longer exercise.

A display of the echo sounder or sonar beam can be switched on. It helps the student to
appreciate changes in the echoes seen on the instruments.

2.19.2 Instruments and Navigation Page Options

.A display of wind and current velocities can be switched on. In some situations it may not be
wished to make this information available to the student, for example if he is using the radar
to estimate current velocity by observation of a buoy.

Display squat causes the echo sounder history display to show by a yellow line what would
have been the depth profile in the absence of the shallow water effects.

2.19.3 Graphics Overview Page Options

Various options control the infom1ation displayed on the Graphics Overview Page. After
changing an option, type Alt D to cause the Graphics Overview Page to be redraw11. The most
commonly used options are also available directly on the Graphics Overview Page to allow
picking with the mouse.

It is possfoie to enaoie or disaoie tile numbering of i,ems ciispiayo:u. ,ni,..iiuw, ,de<.:liuu

between disp lay of full information, or a less cluttered screen.

The length of ship vectors can be controlled, and true or relative vectors selected.

If "Display seabed grid" is switched on, the grid squares are shown (including subdivided
- squares) if their size exceeds 40 pixel. Depth and roughness values are shown for each square
displayed. Where the values are missing, the display should be expanded to see further detail.
This display is most useful during seabed preparation.

"Contour density" gives an alternative method of viewing seabed detail. Contours can be
drawn at 4 density levels, the depths contoured being:

18
 Le vel I : OS, IOS, SOS, I00S, 200, 500S.
Le vel 2: 0S,5, !0S,20,50S, I00S, 200S,300S, 400,500S, 600,700,800,900.
Le vel 3: OS, 2, 5, !OS, 20, 30, 40 SOS, 60, 80, JOOS, 15 0, 200S, 250, 300S, 400, SOOS,
600,700,800,900.
Level 4: OS, 2, 5, I OS, 20, 30, 40 , 50S, 60, 70, 80, 90, I00S, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200S,
220, 240, 260, 280, 300S, 350, 400S, 450, 500S, 600, 700, 800, 900.
S=solid line. Other lines are doned.
Contour line O is drawn in green, 1 to IO in ligh t blue, and lines deeper than l O in cyan.
The meaning of the value entered for "Contour density" is as follows.
I to 4. The density level above is directly requested.
5 to 99. A density level is calculated depending on "Contour density" and scale of the
screen.
High values of contour density give a lot of detail, but the screen may be cluttered and screen
redraw will be slow. If"Display seabed grid" is switched off, a selection of point depths taken
• from the seabed grid are dis played in cyan colour as well as the co ntours .

If a multi-seabed is in use (seabed taken from a number of charts), the outline of each seabed
is drawn in brown. The contours extend over the whole of the seabed coverage. There will
often be a discontinuity at seabed boundaries.

2.19.4 Echo Sounder and Sonar

Sonar Beam Refraction
Nonnally the sonar beam is assumed to travel in a straight line. For advanced sonar training it
is desirable to demonstrate the effects of sonar beam refraction in the vertical plane. This is
important in practice because it can seriously affect sonar performance. The most usual cause
of refraction is varying water temperature with depth.

If sonar beam refraction is enabled, refraction of the beam is calculated from the profile of
water temperature 'with dept h defined on the W page. The effect of refraction is calculated at
the beam centre in the vertical plane. It is not possible to show effects of the beam splitting
into two or more pans as can happen in reality with certain temperature profiles.

Speed of Sound in Water

'This is thespeed used in converting target range to echo delay for echo sounder and sonar.
Most echo sounders are calibrated for 1500 mis. The actual value depends on conditions,
mRirtJy t em p r ::!!1.!'!! a..'!d !0?.! !° x!-e ! !! !!y . TI? pr !i .2..! : ;e f ., e$ Se-3. '.'.'. ;::i
1430mis for low temperature low salinity ,vater to 1540 mis for high temperature high
salinity water.

2.19.S Seabed Outside Area

The depth and roughness of the seabed to be used outside the seabed grid can be given. If an
exercise does not require a seabed that varies ,..;th position, the ship can be positioned outside
of the seabed grid. It is then very easy to change the depth or roughness.

2.19.6 Latitude Longitude Position Datum Shifts

This is used to make allowance for the earth model if high accuracy of!atitude longitude
positions is required. See section POSITION FIXING at the end of this manual.

19
 2.19.7 Mercator Scale Factor
Positions displayed as "X Y m" are strictly speaking units of Mercator Northing and Easting.
For exercise areas that extend a long way north or south of the exercise origin a significant
error can result in calculated distances if the units are assumed to be metre. This option
should normally be switched on, causing the errors to be corrected, but care should be taken
·with established exercises. For example, target ships positioned a long way north of the
exercise origin will progress more rapidly through their way points if the option is Switched
on.

2.20 PAGE P - Pinnacles

Pinnacles can be used to represent single outcrops of rock, w-recks or patches of rough
ground. They are intended to represent fairly small seabed features. Larger features should be
defined as part of the seabed.

Pinnacles are defined by giving their position, height, width, roughness and damage sever(!}'.
There are two types of pinnacle, "Wreck" or "Rough patch". A wreck is a solid block with
vertical sides. A rough patch is a mound with sloping sides. Pinnacles are circular in shape,
and the position is the centre of the circle. The roughness value gives the strength of echo
returned, the unit being the same as for seabed roughness. There are two figures for
roughness. "Main beam" defines the echo strength when the pinnacle is in the main beam. and
"Side lobe" when it is outside the main beam. Pinnacles will only show in the echo sounder
side lobes if their Side lobe roughness value is greater than that of tbe surrounding seabed.

"The damage severity deterrnines the effect when a demersal trawl passes over the pinnacle. If
it is 0, there will be no effect. If it is 7, the 5 different types of fastener damage will be
selected with equal probabilicy. Values from I to 6 give increasing probability of the more
severe types of damage.

2.21 PAGE Q - Memory display

This page gives a display of the memory contents of the computer. It is used in program
development and system debugging. See the hardware manual for further details.

2.22 PAGES - Own Ship

It is only perrnitted to change values at the top of the page when exe rcise is frozen. The object
is to limit the instructor's ability to interfere with student control of the Own Ship.

2.22.1 Ship Position, Speed, Course

Two displays are made of Own Ship position. Each can be switched to any of the five
position methods available. "Speed" and "Course" give the ship velocicy relative to the
.ground. "Speed relati ve water" and "Heading" are the values displayed on ship's instruments
and the values that should be entered by the instructor to control the ship. Ship's transverse
velocity and current velocity are taken into account when calculating the ground velocity
fro'.11 th e se figures. "Disab le ship manoeuvring" allows the instructor to directly control the

20
 ship by entering speed and heading information.

2.22.2 Ship model number

This selects which of the I 5 available ship models defined on pages M1..15 is to be used for
this own shlp. Some simulators do not have this feature: they use Ml for Ownshjp 1, M-2 for
Own ship 2 etc..

2.22.3 Ambient Conditions

The information includes:
Seabed Depth and Roughness The values are computed by interpolation in the grid of
seabed squares, or taken from the O page if outside the
seabed grid.
Squat The effect of squat on keel depth when shallow water effects are being
applied.
Tidal Current Speed (k..riot) and direction of the current vector.
• Overall current The total current calculated, including the W page effects.
Wind Speed (knot) and direction (of origin) of the wind.
Sea state The Beaufort number.
Tide height Height above the depth datum. "Total" includes W page effects.

In the case of tidal current and tide height, the S page values are added to effects defined on
the W page. The values on the W page apply to all own ships. The values on the S page apply
to one own ship only. See PAGE W for further details.

2.22.4 Fishing Information

Start and end fishing can be controlled by entering Y or Nin the "Fishing" position. It is also
possible to start or end a tow by student action, and thls is the only method for certain fishing
methods.

When fishing, additional information is displayed at the bottom of the page. Certain error
conditions also generate displays. For example, when single boat trawling these may be:
"Demersal Gear Flying" (doors off seabed).
"Pelagic Gear Grounded"
"Gear Collapsed" (this may occur if the ship goes backwards,
or too tight a turn is attempted.)

2.22.5 Fasteners
If a fastener is encountered, or the trawl has been damaged by a fastener, a message is
displayed at the bottom of the page.

It is possible for the instructor to cause a fastener by keyboard input. The type of damage
must be appropriate to the type of trawl. Demersal trawls are only allowed to come fast if on
the seabed, but for pelagic trawls thls restriction is not applied because it may be wished to
cause net damage by a "fastener" for reasons such as excessive towing speedor too much
catch. The meanings of the leners are:
0 Cancel existing fastener
S Snag

21
 T Parted tow leg Not allowed for beam trawl
F Parted footrope Only type allowed for pelagic trawl
B Parted bridle
L Lost trawl
0 Net overturns Only allowed for beam trawl
M Mud fastener Only allowed for beam trawl

When beam trawling, the rate of build up of debris and the quantity of debris in the two
trawls can be adjusted. See section "Beam Trawling" for further details.

2.23 PAGE TX-Text

This page allows a text file related to the exercise to be displayed and edited. Typically. this
can be used to give a description of the purpose of the exercise, and points for the instructor
to note. Also. notes can be made as lhe exercise progresses about imponant events, and points
to be made during de-briefing. .-

The text area occupies all the screen except the top 3 lines. To get into the text area type TAB
and to get back to the screen top left, type ESC. The editing commands used in the text area
are those used '-"1th the DOS EDIT program, except that only the "Cursor Movement" and
"Editing Commands" are supported.

The text file has the same name as the exercise, and an extension .TX. It is automatically
updated whenever new information is entered. When not running the simulator program, the
file can be edited using any normal text editor.

2.24 PAGE V - Events

A record of the most important events of an exercise is maintained on this page. These may
be: start and end of tow; fastener dan1age; gear collapsed; etc.. For each event, the time and
ship position when it occurred are displayed. The information allows the instructor to quickly
assess developments, and it gives the student a summary of his performance. If the number of
events exceeds the space available then only the most recent events are displayed .

2.25 PAGE W - Water & Tide

2.25.l Tide Effects
Effects of tidal currents and tide height that apply to all own ships are defmed on this page.
They are used together with the effects defined on the S page that apply to one own ship only.
The current acting on an own ship is the sum of:
A. A current defined on the W page that varies sinusoidally over the tide period (assumed
to be 12.5 hours). The state oftide is calculated from "Exercise Time" on the C page,
and "Time of high water" on the W page. The given direction applies when the tide is
rising.
• B. A current defined on the W page that remains fixed.
C. A current defined on the S page that applies to one own ship only. It can be fixed or

22
 sinusoidal. If sinusoidal, it is calculated as (A).
The overall current (sum of above 3) is displayed on the S page.

lt is possible to define an area where a different current acts. The purpose is to model
situations where this is imponant in reality such as ships entering a harbour or a river mouth.
The area is called the "Current override box". Its boundary is 4 suaight lines, and it is
defined by giving the positions of the 4 comers in clockwise order. The current acting 'INithin
the box is defined as in (A) and (B) in the previous paragraph. To avoid a sudden transition at
the box boundary, an "Interpolation width" can be defined. For positions inside the box and
within this distance of the box boundary, the current velocity -..viii be interpolated between the
values inside and outside the box. A different wind also acts within the current override box.
The current override box outline is shown as a dotted yellow line OD the Alt G page if
"Display auxilliary lines" is switched OD OD the O page.

The tide height affecting an own ship is the sum of:

A. A tide height defined on the W page that varies sinusoidally over the tide period in-the
range "Tide Height Minimum" to "Tide Height Maximum".
'B. A fixed height defined on the S page that applies to one own ship only.
The total tide height (sum of above 2) is displayed on the S page.

2.25.2 Water Temperature

This page allows vertical and horizontal profiles of water temperature to be defined. The
vertical profile is defined by giving up to 10 values of depth and temperature. The values
must be entered in order of increasing depth. Any remaining depth-temperarnre values at the
end of the profile should be left as 0. The temperarure at any particular depth is calculated by
linear interpolation bet ween the values entered.

The horizontal profile is defined by giving a "Centre position", "Bearing" and "Width" that
define a channel over which the temperature varies linearly. The effect is Oat the centre of the
channel, maximum at the right edge (as seen by an observer looking in direction "Bearing")
and minimum at the left edge. "Width" and "Temperature variation" are the values across the
whole of the channel. The variation only functions within 30 km of "Centre position". The
effect of the horizontal profile is superimposed on the vertical profile.

The profile has various functions:

A l• !,.. ••,.,.,.,J ,.,.,- ....1. ,..,. •\..,.. .J,..,-•\.. ,,......,._..,_..,.....•., .,..,. ,J!,..-1,... . ,.,_ ..\.,,.. ,..._..,_ \.,; ,.,.,. ,.,.._.,.,....., .,.,,1,.,,o..., 1 .., ,..
,--,.. Jt
. . ,., t,..l,)....t ,..I
.. u .y .....,.u........... \,&,1..,)yH•.1
\V :uc.u-...... U.JV .....,,....}-',.U. ., \....J. vu uu.,&...... t-'........,.,. ., ................. ... .. .....u ...............;,
lining. This is intended to assist the student in identifying the thennocline so that he
can set his long line at the correct dep th.
B. When trawling or purse seining it is used to calculate the reading from the temperature
sensor to be transmined as an Nl'vfEA messa ge. When trawling the temperature is that
at the trawl headline position and depth. \\'hen purse seining the temperarure is that at
the ship position and the depth of the first depth sensor. 1n other circumstances the
temperature is that at the surface at the ship position.
C. It is used to calculate refraction of the sonar beam if this option is selected on the 0
page.

23
 2.26 INSTRUCTOR'S GRAPHICS SCREEN - GENERAL
Pages can be selected by typing the following.
Alt G Graphics overview page
.A.lt N Navigation and instruments page
Alt S Ship + net page
Type ESC to return to normal text pages.

· These pages are controlled using the mouse.

The Alt S and Alt N pages show the picture selected by the student and they can not be
separately controlled by the instructor.
2.27 GRAPHICS OVERVIEW PAGE

Type Alt G to select this page. The display shows fish shoals and pinnacles, and o"'n ships
with vectors and history dots. Note that vector calculations are based on velocity relative w
the ground. For an own ship, this often differs from ship heading and log speed. The colours
used are:
own ships yellow

fish shoals green

pinnacles dark red
contours green for depth 0, light blue for 1 10 10, cyan for more than 10
point depths cyan for any depth
seabed grid brown
latitude longitude grid green

Adisplay of text information and selectable options is made in the Control Box at the screen
top left. Example:
52N37.53 Cursor latitude
2£ 12.4 3 Cursor longitude
2.74 035 Cursor position as range (nauticalmiles ) and bearing from the selected 0"-11
ship
<----1- ----> Used to change scale of the screen
TRU (or REL) Type of vec to rs.
Contour:; Co ntour density in v to 4.
Frz Int 2 Frz (o r R u n) F re eze or Run. Int 2 Replay interval (C page).
10:03:40 Exercise time.
The last 2 lines are onlydisplayed during a replay. The object is to make a
replay fully controllable using the mouse during exercise debriefing.

Wnere selectable items are displayed, pick the text to change state, or change a value. To
change a value, use the right mouse button to increase, and the left mouse button to decrease.

If a point outside the Co ntrol Box is picked, the effect is to move the picked point to the
.screen centre. When an own ship is selected by typing Alt J etc. (see the beginningof this
section), it also causes the display to be centred on that own ship.

24
 Various details of the display can be controlled from the O page. During normal running of an
exercise, the number and time interval for the history dots is contr-olled from the O page.
During Replay, history dots are loaded at each recorded position up to a limit of250 dots. In
most cases this is sufficient to cover the whole exe rcise. Every 10th history dot is displayed
with the own ship or target number and altered colour to assist in assessing previous exercise
situations.

A graphics printout of the graphics overview page can be requested on the C page. It is not
necessary for the graphics overview page to be displayed on the instructor's screen for the
printout to be made, but the window area used for the printout is as selected for that page.

3 FEATURES OF THE SIMULATION

3.1 ECHO SOUNDER SIMULATION
3.1.1 Scheduling and Output of the Trace -
Every time a transmission pulse is received from the echo sounder a process of outputting an
. echo sounder trace is begun. The marks are timed using a counter and are output through the
echo sounder interface. At the same time, programs are run to construct the next tra-ce ready
for the next transmission pulse.

3.1.2 Noise and Sea State

Noise determines the minimum detectable echo intensity from a target, and its simulation is
therefore imponanc. The chief factors which determine the level of noise received are the sea
state, ship speed, and the beam width and pulse length of the sounder. The calculated noise
level gives the echo intenssity where no other eco is calculated. In reality, noise generated in
the interface hardware and cabling limits the effectiveness of noise control according to sound
theory.

Sea state effects dependent on the Beaufort number are introduced as follows. Seabed depth
is caused to vary periodically. Acoustic source level of the sounder is decreased periodically
to simulate the effects of surface turbulence and aeration. The length of the seabed tail is
varied periodically to simulate the effect of pitching and rolling.

3.1.3 Fish Marks

There are several fish mark types which can be used to represent the different echoes which
. may occur in practice.

I = Individual fish. All the fish density is used to produce individual fish echoes. This is
suitable for low densitiesof large fis, h especially if they occur in thin layers which is
normally the case with demersal species. The mark depth and intensity are adjusted as the fish
moves through the beam so as to correctly generate the comet mark.

If this type is used for high densities of small fish, the simulation will overload and some
echoes will be omined. The mmdmurn number offish echoes (including group and scattering
layer echoes) that can be simultaneously handled is 100.

25
G = Group echo. This type gives discrete echoes which are larger than individual fish echoes
and are intended to represent the echo from a group of fish. For increasing fish density, the
number of group echoes is first increased, then the intensity of the echoes is increased.

M = Mixed Individual/ Group echo. At low densities. individualfish echoes are produced.
Higher density give group echoes in increasing numbers. then in increasing intensities.
Individual echoes are still produced except for small fish \fish size less than 1..i).

S = Scattering Layer. This gives a randomised echo intensity. but with correlation of
intensity in the horizontal and vert!ca!direc!ions. The extent of the correlation is controHcd
by constants. As well as acma l scanering layers. this type may be found the besi for some
types of small schooling fish species. Three scattering layers are allowed at any position.
Each can consist of up 10 50 echoes . If more echoes than this would be required co construct
the layer. then an increased value of "vertical correlation" will be used.

Several fis h shoals of any type can be defined at the same position. When several echoes
overli<:! one another the one of greatest intensity is displayed.

Fish marks are generattd for shoals located m the ship position. The mark type may be
indi\'id ual fish. group echo or scanaing layer as explained above. Echoes are generated from
a mark in succ<:!ssiv"' echo sounder traces until it is calculated that the mark has passed out or
the b.:am

For individ ual lish marks. the mark depth is adjust<:!d as the, t s h moves th ro ugh the beam so
as to corr ctly generate th<.: <.:omet mark.

Echo intens ityo f a single fish is calculated from the sonar equation. and depends on:-
► Acoustic source level of th sounda.
► Spreading loss and frequency dependent absorption loss.
► Ta rget strength of the fish obtained from fish size .
► Position of the fish in the bea m. (Strong at the centre. weaker at the edges).
Mark length is the pulse lengt h.

Group marks are processed in a similar way. They give larger echoes than individual fish.

3.1.4 Sea bed Mar k

Seabed depth and roughness under the ship (or net for a net sounder) are found by
interpolation between the four nearest square comers of the seabed grid. A small random
component is added to roughness to improve the reaiism.

Initial seabed strencth is calc ulated al10,vin11 for acoustic source level of the sounder,
spreading loss and;bsorption losses and seibed roughness. A rough seabed is also considered
to be hard, giving a strong return echo, as this is normally the case in practice.

The seabed gives a mark which gradually decays. Mark length is dependent mainly on
roughness, beam width and seabed depth. A speckling effect is added to the seabed mark
when it is output to improve rea lism.

26
 Repeat seabeds (maximum of2) may be generated in regions of shallow water or hard
· ground. The repeat seabeds are copies of the first, but with increased length and decreased
intensity.

Pinnacles that lie within range of the echo sounder side lobes cause the strength of the
seabed echo to be increased to simulate sound reflection from the pinnacle. It is possible to
see the approach of a pinnacle as its echo moves up through the seabed tail.

3.1.5 Net Sounder

For a net sounder, the calculations are made from the transducer position on the headline.
Calculations are made upwards or downwards according to the direction of the current ping.
For a downward ping a footrope mark is added (unless the trawl has parted footrope damage).
For an upward ping a surface echo replaces the seabed.

3.2 SONAR SIMULATION

Processing is quite similar to the echo sounder except that the echoes of fish shoals, pinnades
and seabed have different forms. If the sonar transducer has not been lowered into the water,
sonar echoes are only generated if tilt angle is close to the vertical.

3.2.1 Sea State and Reverberation Effects

High Beaufort number leads to increased noise, and erratic variation of the sonar tilt and
bearing. A Volume Reverberation mark is a strong echo received immediately after
transmission which decays rapidly.

3.2.2 Seabed Marks

The sonar beam is followed out across the seabed in the direction in which the sonar is
pointing and marks are constructed across tbe width of the beam. The echo intensity at any
point is dependent on:-
► Acoustic source level of the sonar.
► Pulse length of the sonar.
► Range . (S preading loss and absorption losses.)
► Angle of incidence with the seabed.
► Seabed roucliness.
► Angular po;ition within the sonar beam (strong at the centre, weake r at the edges ).
The effect obtained is that regions of varying slope, and varying roughness can be observed
passing mrougn me i:>eam anci strength anci iengrn 01 tne e<.:i10 snow apprvpriaie va.ria iiu n
with varying depth, tilt etc.

. At High Tilt Angles (greaterthan 50 degrees) lie seabed echo is calculated by a si mplified
method. Repeat seabeds are generated if the sonar is close to the vertical.

A Side Lobe Seabed may be generated. It is a wea.1< echo at the depth under the ship which is
seen in shallow water, especially with low frequency sonars.

3.2.3 Fish and Pinnacle Marks

Tests are made to see if each fish shoal is in the sonar beam. !fit is, then a mark of
appropriate length is constructed. The echo intensity is calculated from acoustic source level,

27
 pulse length, range, shoal density, and the fraction of the beam that strikes the shoal. The
intensity is reduced near the edges of the mark. Pinnacles are processed in a similar way.

3.2.4 Marks from Purse Seine Net and Ship Wake

These echoes are considered important in purse seine fishing because they show the track of
the ship as it makes a set. Thee(;hO intensity is controlled directly by the insrructor from the
A page. See section PAGE A for details.

3.3 TRAWLING

3.3.1 Ship Behaviour

• The equations are based on force balances, and include tide and wind effe(;tS. Characteristics
of the ship and fishing gear can be modified to suit different types of fishing vessel by
changing values on the Mand N pages.

Ship Speed. The force balance takes into account the following factors: propeller thrust; ship
drag; tum rate (so that speed when turning is reduced); "'-ind force; resolved warp load if
trawling, or purse line tension if purse seining. The resultant force accelerates the ship at a
rate dependent on ship mass.

Turn Rate. This depends on rudder angle, and on ship speed and propeller thrust. If trawling,
the warp load resolved at right angles to the ship's head also contributes so that the trawl drag
reduces the turn rate.

3.3.2 Aground
Tests are made to check if the ship will go aground. They are based on the defined seabed
depth at the ship position and the ship's keel depth and the tide height. When aground, the
ship is he ld stationary and it is necessary for the instructor to intervene. The easiest way to
al low the ship to continue is to increase the tide height.

'3.3.3 Single Boat Trawl Beba"iour

Fishing can be started by the student moving both winch levers to the full shoot position. This
has the effect of lowering the trawl into the water "-1th zero warp length. At the end of the
tow, fishing can be ended by hauling in to zero warp length, then moving both winch levers to
the full haul position.

Shooting or hauling of warp is carried out using the winch levers. The rate of shooting or
hauling depends on winch power, ship speed and warp load.

The trawl position is calculated so that it follows behind the ship in a realistic manner. When
turning, the trawl will "short cut" the corner. 'When wind and current are acting, the trawl is
offset to the appropriate side.

In the vertical plane the rate at which the trawl sinks or rises is calculated allowing for weight
of trawl, drag of the trawl. warp declination angle, and rate of shooting or hauling warp. The
warp load is calculated from drag and weight of trawl.

28
 If the ship moves backward, or too tight a turn is attempted, the gear may collapse. It remains
collapsed until ship to gear distance again exceeds the warp length.

Mouth opening of the trawl depends on trawl type, tow leg length, trawl speed, weight of
ground gear (if in mid water), and amount of flotation.

3.3.4 Behaviour With Unequal Warp Lengths

The two winch barrels are controlled separately by the two winch levers, aliowing separate
control of the two warp lengths.

Normal practice when controlling warp length in reality is to keep the trawl square (w-arp
lengths equal) when towing, otherwise the trawl does not fish properly. When turning, the
warp on the inside of the·turn may be shortened to prevent the inner door from collapsing.
In the simulation, modelling of effects with unequal warp lengths is simplified. When the
trawl is not square, catching capability is reduced and the trawl is shown with a distorted
shape on the graphics display. Only the horizontal profile display is affected. No attempt i§.:
made to model different behaviour of the two doors when warp lengths are unequal.

3.3.5 Calculation of Catch

The catch is calculated as the trawl moves through the water. lts value is dependent on the
volume of the shoal swept by the trawl, and the fish density. There are two figures for catch,
• one for fish of size 40 cm or greater, and one for fish from 14 cm to 40 cm. This allows a
distinction to be made between low and high value species. Fish of size less than 14 cm are
not caught at all.

3.3.6 Fasteners
If a pinnacle is trawled over. or demersal trawling on rough ground is attempted. a fastener
may be detected, and a response up to and aft.er breakage of the trawl will be generated. There
are some differences in behaviour for a beam trawl. See section "Beam Trawling".

There are five types of fastener response, which are, in order of increasing se verity:-
• Snag, gear comes free without damage
• Parted tow leg
• Parted footrope
► P arted bri dle

For a pinnacle, behaviour is a, follows. A fastener will be detected whenever the trawl passes
over the centre of the pinnacle, and also, possibly if it passes over the edge of the pinnacle,
but misses the centre. The width of the trawl is dependent on bridle length. The type of
. fastener response selected depends on the damage factor in the pinnacle definition. If this is 0.
there will be no response. !f it is 7, the five types will occur with equal probability. Values I
to 6 give increasing probability of more severe damage.

For rough ground, behaviour is as follows. If seabed roughness is 5 or greater, fasteners are
detected randomly. Encounter frequency is dependent on bridle length. Type of res ponse
depends on roug hnes s. Roughness 5 will give snag response only. Roughness 6 and 7 give

29
increasing probability of more serious damage. For a pelagic trawl, paned footrope is the only
fastener response, and it occurs if the trawl is grounded, and seabed roughness is greater than
4.

Fastener response consists of a rise in warp load to a certain maximum level. The warp load
then remains steady until trawl damage results. The rise of the second warp load will often be
delayed. After damage, trawl drag v.ill be reduced, and catching capability lost. Fasteners
causing one sided damage will show an inequality of the warp loads. If action is taken when
the fastener is struck by decreasing propeller thrust, it will usually be possible to avoid
damage. The ship will be "brought up standing" 'with zero speed, and the warp loads held on.
A message "Stuck Fast" is displayed at the bottom of the S page. Trawls v.ith "Parted Bridle"
or "Lost Trawl" damage are not considered capable of being further damaged, and fastener
. tests are not made.

3.3.7 Beam Trawling

The beam trawling method simulated is that in which two trawls are towed from booms, O ;
on either side of the vessel. It is assumed that both trawls are manoeuvTed in an identical
manner using the single winch lever and warp length meter. The special features of beam
trawl behaviour that are simulated are as follows.

When towing on stoney ground, debris can build up in the trawl, and eventually lead to trawl
damage unless the tow is ended. The evidence that this is happening is that trawl drag
increases leadingto increased warp load, decreased towing speed, and very often an
inequality of warp loads because one trawl is affected more than the other. This behaviour is
simulated by allowing the instructor co input values for a quantity of debris and a rate of
increase for both port and starboard trawls on the S page. The unit of debris is

1.00 = sufficient to give additional drag equal to the normal drag of the trawl

Traw! damage is calculated automatically 'with an increasing probability as the quantity of

debris builds up. The type of da.-.nage is "P: uted Fco tro pe ".

For a normal fastener, behaviour is as described in section "Fasteners" for a normal trawl,
except that only one of the trawls is affected when a fastener is struck. The one selected is the
one neares t to the centre of the fastener. There are two additional types of "fastener". One isa
= C f e e:-. I= t ::y cc ?=.T.'!'20!!!!y '..vh.i:-!'! seat;:\ed r01Jghne ls 2 or less. or it can be caused
by instructur input. A mud fastener gives a similar response to debris building up in the trawl.
except that it happens much more rapidly. It may end when trawl damage occurs, or with the
ship becoming "stuck fast". It is programmed in a sim iiar way to the debr is e ffects, and it
overrides them when it occurs.

Another problem that may arise with a beam trawl is that one of the trawls may overturn if
too tight a tum is attempted. For simpliciry, this event is classified as another type of
"fastener". It may occur randomly if a tight turn is attempted, or it can be caused by instrucotr
input. The effect is that trawl drag is reduced because the chains can no longer dig into the
seabed. The net will be damaged if the tow is not ended shortly afterwards.

30
 When a beam trawl has been damaged by a fastener, it is not considered capable of being
further damaged.

All of the conditions described above may cause an inequality of the warp loads. Because the
·trawls are towed from booms, the inequality hasa large effect on rurning of the ship. Most of
the time when beam trawling, the ship 'will be steered by the autopilot, and a steady rudder
angle will have to be applied to co unteract the turning effect. This is often taken as an
indication of some problem with the trawls. (In practice, few beam trawlers have warp load
meters, but most have rudder angle indicators).

3.4 PURSE SEINING

3.4.1 Purse Seine Configuration

When purse seining, the warp length meter is used to display the length of the purse line, and
the warp load meters show the tension in the two ends of the purse line. The winch levers
allow control of the two ends of the purse line. In actual purse seine operation, the ends of!lie
net are connected by lines to winches on the ship. There are vario us names for these lines. In
this description they are called hauling lines. The hauling line winches are not simulated.

Side thrusters are used to control sideways movement and turning of the ship. Many purse
se ine ships do not have side thruster controls. They use a skiff to pull the catcher ship out of
the net. In this case, the side thruster controls have the effect of controlling the force from the
. skiff.

A purse seiner can only encircle a shoal in one direction. The direction depends on which side
of the ship the purse line winches and net hauler are mounted. The desired direction is
specified on the M page.

For satisfactory use as a purse seiner, a ship needs to have suitable characteristics defined on
the M page. The following are recommended values.
Turn rate factor - Typicaily 300, but dependent on length of net.
Astern swing to starboard • Normally N = d isa bled.
Winch power • not more than 20% of ship powec

If an echo from the purse seine net on the sonar is expected, it is necessary to enter a suitable
vaiue for ''Ner echo screngfu on sonar" uu foe N P"!!"·

3.4.2 Setting and Pursing of the Net

Setting of the purse seine net is begun by moving both winch levers to the foll shoot position.
The net 'will then run out behind the ship as it encircles the shoal. The first hauling line is
50 m lon, g and the second one is 300 m long. If the vessel has not returned to its start point
. before the second hauling line has been used up, the net will remain in a fixed position
relative to the ship, and the set must be ended by the instructor. Some tension can be kept on
the purse line during setting. lt 'will result in a broadening out of the net in the horizontal
plane, and a decreased sink rate.

Setting of the net is considered to be complete when all the net has been shot, and the ship

31
reaches a position within 5 m of the buoy on the first end of the net. The first end of the purse
line is automa tically connected to its winch, and pursing of the net can begin by moving the
winch levers into the haul position. During the first part of pursing, the hauling lines are
considered to be hauled in at the same rate as the purse line until their length has been
reduced to 0. Sink rate of the net depends on the figure given on the N page, and on the
tension in the purse line. Normally it v.-ill be necessary to limit the hauling rate so that the net
sinks to a sufficient depth. If the net reaches the seabed, a message appears on the i,,structor's
screen.

Pursing ends when the purse line length reduces to 20% of "Net length", and this is the end of
the simulation. Modelling of the final stages of pursing of the net is a very difficult task for a
small computer so it is not attempted. The catch is calculated. The instructor can end the set
or it will be ended automatically after one minute.

·3.4.3 Graphics Display

The horizontal profile of the graphics display is best used in true motion mode when purse
seining. The start point of setting the net is marked as a circle representing the buoy or tigh-t
boat normally used. During setting, the purse line runs out from a point on the stem of the
ship, and the cork line from the opposite side of the stem. When setting is complete, the two
ends of the purse line are linked to a point near the centre of the ship, and the two hauling
lines are linked to points at the stern and bow. A number of red circles are drawn on the cork
line representing the floats.

On the vertical profile display the depth sensors are shown as small red circles.

Depth and current meters can be selected for display on the O page. The depth meter gives
readings of net depth and sink rate at positions 25 % and 75 % of net length. The curren t
meter shows the defined currents in numeric and vector form.

3.4.4 Fish Response

A fish shoal is programmed to respond to the net by sv,i..-r.m ing away when it encoun ters the
net, and by changing direction or diving if it is enclosed by the net. Only one fish shoal will
respond. The one selected is the first to come close to the net. lf the fish shoal is close to the
·net, it will respond by mov ing away. Occasionally a shoal may dive, or it will swim upwards
if the net is pulled up under it. The extent of fish response is controlled by the fright factor on
..fl ""-,-., ,.,.. . ,..·- - 1· · - - _ : _._ ... ... . ........ ,..H.; ; _ ,.s
, ............-1 "A..,,,... in ...rg. Pti tPn Pnf"V f('"\ <li ve (;.0
l t: r £ 0,C:. C"l, l U \.'ClJ.U (;:.:,. !P"C 51.vclv..1 _,..•u•u.
. .. .... -.... - ·- · - - - •-
: t..,...,.,. ...... , -- -· ··· ,1 ·· · ·
that the shoal is more difficult to catch.

3.4.5 Ship Manoeuvring

The ship is affected in the fore and aft direction by tension in the purse line. In the transverse
direction it is affected by purse line tension, and also by the force from the side thruset rs.
These forces also affect the turning of the ship.

3.4.6 Effect of Currents

The main objective of the current simulation is to show that the net should not be set if strong
sub-surface currents are acting. The weighted sum of current effects over the depth of the net
is calculated, and used to distort the net.

32
3.5 LONG LINING
The simulation of long lining shows the behaviour of the line on the ship+net graphics
display during the setting and hauling operations. Dimensions of the Jong line are defined on
the N page.

Actual long line operation is carried out as follows. It is usually wished to set the hooks close
to the thermocline. This can be found from a scattering layer seen on the echo sounder, or
from a temperature measuring instrument loweredinto the water. The depth reached by the
hooks is controlled by the length of each long line unit and the setting speed. Setting is
normally carried out at speeds between 4 and 8 knots. Slower speeds give greater depth. On
completion of setting the boat will wait for several hours. then begin hauling, starting with the
last end set. Theline is usually located by means of a radio buoy. The line hauler is located on
the starboard bow. Hauling is carried out at speeds between 3 and 5 knots. The angle between
the line and ship's head direction should be 20 to 45 degrees. If possibie, it should be arranged
that the wind direction when hauling is on the starboard bow to assist in maintaining the -
correct line direction. For further information, see the file "LONGLINE.DOC".

In the simulation, setting is begun by moving both winch levers to the full shoot position. The
long line will then run out over the stern of the ship. Any setting speed may be used and the
depth reached by the line will vary for speeds in the range 4 to 8 knots. The number of buoys
shot is displayed on the warp length meter. If the. long line reaches the seabed, a message will
appear on the S page and it will be recorded as an event on the V page.

· On completion of setting, hauling may be begun. A radio buoy may be attached to one of the
long line buoys using the TF page to assist in locating the long line. The line will
automatically link to the line hauler when the final long line buoy reaches a position close to
the line hauler position on the starboard bow. Hauling is controlled by the trawl winch lever,
and by adjusting ship course and speed so as to maintain the correct line geometry.

On the vertical profile of the ship+net graphics display, the main line is sho"'n as a catenary
with the buoy lines and branch lines attached. On the horizontal profile, each unit is shov.-n as
a straight line. During hauling, the 320 m of line nearest the ship is modelled as a curve so
that appropriate effects of ship manoeuvring on the line geometry can be demonstrated.

On the ship+net graphics display addttionai instruments are provicieci wnen iong iining. Wir.n:1
and current are shown in numeric and vector form. The profile of water temperature with
depth defined on the W page is diplayed. If it is wished to show the therroocline on the echo
sounder, a scattering layer should be defined to give the required effect

3.6 NAVIGATION AIDS

See the following section for instructions how to operate the navigation aids from the
· student's perspective. This section gives additional information for the instructor.

3.6.1 GPS
The latitude longitu de disp layed is the same as that transmitted as a NMEAO183 message
33
 when GPS is selected as the NMEA talker.

3.6.2 DF (Radio Direction Finder)

Normal DF stations are defined in file NAVSTS.DAT. A radio buoy is made to function as a
DF station by attaching it to a fixed target on the TF page. Each buoy hasa frequency and call
sign and it can be attached to the fishing gear. A buoy will only give a signal if it is attached
to a valid target. A target ship can also be made to function as a DF station. See the TF page
for futher details.

3.6.3 Navigation Station Data

Navigation station data is defined in the text file NAVSTS.DAT. The data format is
explained by comments and examples in the file. It is straightforward to change the data or
add new chains, or DF stations.

3.6.4 Errors
The errors to be applied to the information arc defined on the NE page. See PAGE NE for
· details. The GPS error indication DOP (dilution of precision) depends on the Variable error
factor, and a random component. A low reading shows an accurate signal. Variable errors
wander around with an approximate period of 30 minutes.

DF has an error table on the NE page that gives the error correction needed to get an accurate
bearing from the observed bearing. A plot of these figures should be given to the student to
allow him to make the corrections. A display of SIG LEVEL shows the signal strength. It
depends on station range relative to "Maximum range" on the NE page. and any difference
between selected reception frequency and actual frequency transmined. Variable errors are
added to DF bearings. They are calculated in a similar way to GPS. The error size depends on
the "Variable error factor" (on the NE page) and the SIG LEVEL.

4 STUDENT'S GRAPIDCS SCREEN DISPLAYS

4.1 INSTRUMENTS AND NAVIGATION DISPLAY

4.I. I Instruments
A selection of instruments are displayed as follows.
► Ship's head indicated numerically and by a pointer that rotates in a circle.
► Ship speed
► Distance run meter, total and trip. To zero the reading, pick on "O".
► Clock (exercise time) in numeric form.
► Tum rate calibrated in degree/min.
► Rudder demand and rudder angle (the centre bar is demand and the 2 outer bars acrual
value)
► Simp le Autopilot (only when used for ship control)
► Propellor revs calibrated as% of maximum value, demand and actual value. For a
controllable pitch propellor, the indication is pitch instead of revs.
► Unde r Ke e l Clearance, with echo sounder depth profile for the previous 15 minutes
and depth alarm. Pick the and - boxes 10 control the alarm depth. The alarm sounds

34
 if Under Keel Clearance becomes less than the alarm depth. When the ship is in
shallow water and squat is being calculated, the instructor can switch on a display (as
a yellow line) of the depth profile that would have been observed in the absence of
squat.
► Wind and current meters in vector and numeric form. These are optional and are
switched on by the instructor.

4.1.2 Ship Control

Simulator versions that do not have real ship controls use the instruments display to control
the Own Ship. The mouse is used to pick the Rudder, Propellor revs. and Autopilot boxes. To
use the autopilot pick the +and • boxes to change the demanded heading, and the ON/OFF
box to activate the autopilot.

4.J.3 Navigation aids

The upper part oft.lie screen is used for navigation aids. The navigation aids simulated are:

4.1.3.1 GPS
The information consists of a latitude longitude readout and a DOP indication. DOP means
Dilution of Precision and gives a measure of position accuracy. Values up to 5 show a good
signal, and values greater than IO a poor signal and inaccurate position.

4.1.3.2 DF (Radio Direction Finder)

Normal DF stations are arranged in groups of 6 that transmit at the same frequency. Each
station transmits for one minute in a sequence that lasts for 6 minutes. The station is
identified by its morse code call sign. In cases where there are not 6 stations that transmit at
the same frequency, stations may be omitted or duplicated.

The insuuctor can also position radio buoys, and attach a DF station to a ship to practice
homing in on a vessel in distress.

Kno-v.in g the frequencies of transmitting stations close to own ship, select "B.t\J'\fD", th e n
adjust "FREQUENCY" to the required value. Tune into the station by fine adjustment of the
frequency so as to maximise '"SIG LEVEL". The red band in the circle shows the direction of
the signal source relative to ov.,n shlp's heading. CALL SIGN shows the call sign of the
signal. DF errors mostly depend on relative bearing of the signal, and need to be calibrated for
..rtii::l!h! 5hi . !fthi! i!!5tri.1i:-t0r i5 ;lp_rly ln.g error , s ;l lib rntlnn cu rve <;honld be available to
·?. p?
allow error correction.

4.2 SHIP+NET GRAPHICS DISPLAY

Some simulators have a separate screen for this display. Others use the same screen as the
lnstnm1ents and Navigation display, and allow selection of this screen by picking the small
blue square at the top left of the instruments section.

The screen can be split into a maximum of 4 windows. Each window gives a view of the
fishing situation showing shlp, net, fish shoals and pinnacles. The display is controlled by the
student by screen picking of pick boxes using the joystick controlled cursor. The functions of

35
 the pick boxes are:
1. Origin shift. .\t!oves the picture in the direction of the picked poim relative to pick box
centre.
2. Scak change. Picking a point on the left makes the picture smaller. and on the right
larger.
3. Switch back co ln,", trumencs and Navigation screen. (Shared screen only)
4. MENU Brings up window selection menu.
3&4 appear in the top left '-"indow only.

Pick boxes( I) and (2) have a small red square at the top righ: corner. If this is picked. ir
causesa reset to the standard condition. A scale of metres is displayed at the boCtom left of
each window.

The window selection menu allows selection of what is co be displayed in each of the4
windows. There are 5 options for each window.
1. Vertical profile. ship relative.
'> Vertical profile. net relative. Only differs from pick box (1) when trawling.
3. View from a point ahead of the ship.
-!. Horizontal profile. relative motion.
5. Horizo ntal profile. true motion.

The selected op1ion for each window is shown in red. To change 10 another display. pick
another pick box. Picking the red pick box causes the window lO be deleted and its space on
the screen is used by on adjacent window. It is not allowed to delete the top left window. To
delete the window selection menu. pick on MENU again.

On the horizontal profile. history dots showing the ship track can be displayed. They are
.controlle d by the.: instruc1or's O page. They assis t the student in apprecia ting events during the
course of an exercise.

36
 5 SOFTWARE AND DISK FILES
5.1 COMMAND LINE SWITCHES
These can be used on the command line when the simulator program runs to vary the
functions of the program. The following switches can be used:
/1 For simulators that use several PC! bus VGA cards in one computer, this switch
forces all the pages to come on the first screen. It is mainly used for tesring.
/MF Causes the messages that appear in the Systems Message box to be written to a file
called lviESSLOG.TXT
N Forces the VGA drivers to those needed for a certain chip. Most modem VGA cards
have VESA BIOS support and this switch does notneed to be used. The alternatives
are:
NS Tseng Labs ET4000 or later chip
NR Trident 8900 or later chip
N3 S3 chip
NV VESA BIOS

·5.2 DISK FILES AND DIRECTORIES

5.2.1 Disk Files Needed by the Simula tor Program

The following files needed in running the simulator must be kept in the same directory and
this must be the default directory when the program runs.

LISBDET.EXE s imulator program

CALlB.DAT calibrat ion data
DEFAULT.EX starting exercise
NAVSTS.DAT navigation station data file
SIM.RED exercise redirection file. see below

File CALIB.DAT may have additional letters in its nan1e to show which simula tor installation
it applies to. e.g. CALIBHU.DAT for Hull simulator.

5.2.2 Exercise Redirection File - Exercise Data Files

Exercise data is stored in files with the following extensions.
.Ll\'D radar lan dmass
·.SBD seabed
.TX text information for the TX page
.EX exercise (all exercise data except the above 3 types)
.RCD recorded exercise

A separate directory is normally used for storing the exercise data for a particular area. A
redirection file (.RED)is used to list the directories to be searched for exercise data. It can
also give a starting condition at program startup. A general purpose file SIM.RED is normally
used. h must be in the default directory.

37
 A special purpose .RED file can alternatively be used. Its name must be given on the
LISBDET command line. This allows different redirection files to be used for different
situations. For example, >LISBDET JSMITH will cause the redirection list to be read from
file JSMITH.RED, which could contain directories used specifically by instructor J. Smith.

5.2.2.1 Exercise Directories

The .RED file contains a list of directories where exercise data files are located. When an
exercise data file is to be read, the directories are searched in the order in which they are
listed. When an exercise data file is to be written by "Save" or "Record" or changing the TX
page, it is written to the first directory in the list. Sub-directories of the SIM directory are
, normally used for exercise data, so a typical SIM.RED file would be:
\SIM\EX
\SfM\D O VER95
\SIM\FRA..NCEX
\S IM\UKEX

Toe first directory is normally used for exercises under development, and .RCD files. 0th;=
sub-directoriesare normally used for particular exercise areas. Path names are restricted to a
maximum length of30 charactres. A comment line can be used in the list by starting the line
v.,jth ';'.

5.2.2 .2 Sta rtup Condition

Two s peci al lines can be used to give the startup condition. They can appear anywhere in
the .RED file.

Starting exercise
Example: #starting_exercise_narne=lisboa
This causes exercise LISBOA.EX to be loaded when LISBDET first runs. If this line is
present it overrides exercise DEFAULT.EX.

Start command
This causes commands normally typed at the keyboard to be automatically performed at
program startup. Only "page selec t" an d "run" commands are allowed. A comma is used as a
command separator. The object is to allow the simulation to stan uprunning an exercise
without any operator intervention.
Exa!!!r!':': # 5! T-'l- t':'.:'!!1_'!!?..11d=TS6,!?_, ! !F .
This causes text page TS6 and the radar graphics page to be selected, and the exercise to start
running.

5.2.3 Installation and Backup Procedures

The file compression programs PKZIP and PKUNZIP are normally used to backup and
restore simulator files. The backup file for the simulator software as supplied is
LISBDET.BK.

To res to re th e simula to r fi le s from the backup files, the procedure is as follows.

>MD SIM Make a SIMdirectory and go to it.
>CD SIM

38
 >COPY A:LISBDET.BK Copy backup file from floppy.
• >PKUNZIP LISBDET.BK -d Expand compressed files and re-create
directory structure.

Then make any changes needed to AUTOEXEC.BAT to load a mouse driver, change
directory, or start execution of the simulation program as required. For example:
>COPY JPX.COM \ Copy file !PX.COM to root diiectory.
Use an editor to add to AUTOEXEC.BAT lines:
LH IPX/O9 Load network driver (this command may differ e.g. if PC! bus
network cards are in use).
CD SIM
LISBDET

"LISBDET" causes the program to automatically run at start up if this is requiied.

To create a new version of the backup file after changes have been made, the command t.o-=
.
use
1s:
PKZTP L!SBDET .BK •.• -r -p Com press all fi les including sub-directories

5.3 SYSTEMS MESSAGES

Systems messages are displayed in a small window at the bottom right of the instructor's
screen. The window can be cleared by typing Ctr! Z. Less important messages are
automatically cleared after 15s. More imponant ones are left until manually cleared. For
student station computers which normally display graphics pages only, the messages only
appear when a switch is made to the text pages. A check should be made for any messages
whenever any change is made to hardware or software, or any malfunction is observed. The
main types of message are as follows.

Missing hardware or software. These can be "Mouse driver missing", "ipx network driver
missing" etc.. The necessary hardware and driver software should be installed to correct the
problem.

Wa rn ing, irq alr eady enabled. This means that an IRQ line to be used by simulator
software appears to be already in use for some other purpose. The most usual case is a mouse
., • . .• . ,,.,_ ._ , ; -..-. - a, I' 1 • -. (" _. •• ' .o1- ,. . : •• _.•• 1• .._ ,c.__ _ _ ,. 1,....,.• • • ., ,., . ,...,r"\11.A I - -
UflVC:( u::.wg \...-VlVJ1 \ J..l\.\.,!"t) W(JJCtl t il tc f l CI C-:') ',,"YlUl !t U U U lc.:UV l .:>Vl V'Ya.l.C W.(ll U!tl;.) VVJ.VJ.J. .1V I

NMEA0183 message. In this case, the NMEA0183 messages are not enabled so the mouse
will continue to function. To get the NMEA0l83 messages to work, remove the mouse driver
from COM! before running the simulation program. For other !RQ lines, hard wa re
• ini tialisat ion co ntin ues as normal; no special action is taken apart from the warning message.
.-"\.noth e r common case is IRQ15 which is used by some simulators for the Analogue Digital
card IRQ.This IRQ is often used by a 2nd hard disk drive, and ifno such drive is present the
message is not usually significant.

Out of memory errors. The usual ones are "No seabed space", "Out of memory, land
truncated", "Out of heap space". The usual cause is loading an exercise area that is too big for
the version of the simulator softv.-are in use. You cancheck the situation by examining "Free

39
 memory" on the D page. Most exercise areas take up less than 80k byte when loaded, but a
few need 100k byte and the biggest ones up to 120k byte. The free memory readout with no
exercise loaded needs to be bigger than these figures. It may be possible to increase the
memory available to DOS programs by adjusting the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Use the LH
command to load drivers such as the mouse driver and network driver to high memory. You
can use the MEM /C/P command to display the memory allocation. It may also be useful to
use the DOS MEMMAKER program to reconfigure the AUTOEXEC.BAT and
CONFIG.SYS files to best effect.

C language run time error messages. These indicate some maLiunction of program s written
in C. The messages include "Overflow" and "/ by Zero". They can be caused by hardware or
• software malfunction. The detail of the message can be useful in program fault correction.

File not found messages. when reading of a file from disk is requested. Usually this is caused
by incorrect spelling of a file name. Check on the DI page.

Confirmation and Warning Messages. These mainly relate to disk file security.

6 ADDITIONAL DETAILS
6.1 UTILITY PROGRAMS
6.1.1 Program EXEDIT
This program allows .EX exercise files to be edited by copying information from other
exercise files. Command line syntax is:
>EXEDIT input_file_name output_file_name
It is recommended to use the same name but a different directory for the output file.
Example: >EXEDIT DOVER95.EX \SIM\EX\DOVER95.EX
The input file (called the "edit file") will be read in and its contents displayed. A second
exercise file from which information is to be copied (the "transfer file") can then be read in.
"Information to be copied can be the whole of a page (e.g. all ship manoeuvring data in the M
page), or a single record (e.g. page M3 data).

When the whole of a page is copied it overwrites that page in the edit file. When single
records are cooied. there are two modes. For pages F, P, T, X the record copied is added to
the end of existing records. Its record number will normally change. For other pages, the
record copied retains the same record number and ovenvrites existing data.

When the data copied includes position information, there are two modes of conversion. In
relative mode, positions remain the same relati ve to exercise origin. Thus X,Y positions will
remain the same. In absolute mode positions remain the same on the surface of the earth.
Latitude longitude positions v,ill remain the same.

From time to time it may be oecessary to change the data structure of exercise files. A version
number is used to show the change. The version number is stored as the first byte in the file.
Simulator programs will accept exercise data of the current version and earlier versions.

40
E XED IT displays the version num ber of the edit file and allows it to be chan ged. At 6/97 only
versions 3 and 4 are valid.

·II is not allowed to transfer the C page.

The recommended procedure for using EXEDIT and checking che results is as follows.
assumin
g th e SIM.RED file is set up in the normal wav with the \Silvl\EX directorv as the
working exercise directory: · •
I. Go to the exercise directory containing the files to be worked with.
Example: >CD \SlM\DOVER95
..,
Run EXEDIT as in the above example:
>EXEDIT DOVER95.EX \S!M\EX\DOVER95.EX
Transfer information from other exercise files as desired. then do " E xit and Sav e".
3. Try out the new DOVE R95. EX. 1feverything works. copy the new version to the
DOV ER95 director} and delete it from the EX d irectory. lf it does not work as
intended. delete DOVER95.EX from the EX directory and uy again.

6.2 SEABED

6.2. I Genera l
Most users do not need to know full details about the seabed so it is described separately here.
Tho:: seabed system allows definition of seabed depth and roughness over an exercise area.
Roug hness is only of interest for s imulators with real echo sounders or fis hing capability.

The seabed is defined as depth points on a rectangular grid of squares. Se veral grids can be
loaded at the same time allowing seabeds from several charts to be combined. A combined
seabed is called a "Muhi-seabed". It is not possible to properly display and edit the depth
points when a Multi-sea bed is lo ad ed . This must be done by wo rki ng on the ind ividual seabed
grids.

A seabed grid is input by fixing a sheet of transparent graph paper to a chart and reading off
depths at the g1id points. The position and size of the grid are inputon the lower part of the C
page, and the mesh points are input on the B page.

6.2.2 s abed Details on the C Page

fhe de tails de fine the position and size of the seabed grid.

Seabed Origin Lat Long is the botto m left corner of the seabed grid. A value of(0N, OE)
means that the Exercise Origin should be used as the Seabed Origin. This can be usefu l for a
genera l purpose seabed to be used at any location.

Seabed Chart Scale is used with Seabed Origin Lat Long to convert between Exercise X Y
( m relative to Exercise Origin) and Seabed X Y (chart mm). The Seabed Chart Scale values
need to be set acc urately to get good agreement between the seabed and other exercise data.
This is done in the same way as "Chart Scale". See POSITION FIXING below.

If it is wished to use positions displayed as "X Y chart mm" to give seabed coordinates, be

41
 sure tah t the values entered on the C page for "Chart Origin Lat Long" and "Chart scaie X Y"
are the same as the figures given for the seabed.

Size of seabed squa re. A figure suitable to give the necessary level of detail should be used.
20 chart mm is normal. or l0 chart mm if a lot of deraii is required.

Seabed size. This is the size of the rectangular grid in numbers of squares.

6.2.3 Seabed Details on the B Page

6.2.3.1 Depth and Roughness values

The B page allows the seabed to be defined by typing in the values of depth and roughness on
a grid of squares. Seabed depth is in metres in the range - IO to 999. 1\/egative dep ths are used
· for tidal areas. They allow a small ship to travel over regions above the depth damm if the
tide height is sufficient. Land areas should be given a depth of -10. Roughness is in the range
0 to 7. Larger numbers indicate greater roughness and hardness.

6.2.3.2 Screen Display and Input

Thedisplay on the screen consists of the X and Y positions in the grid along the bottom and
left s ideof the screen. given in both a grid point number in the range Oto 99 and the X.Y
coordinate value in chart mm. The screen will accommodate a display of9 x 9 grid positions.
Initially the grid points displayed will be those given with the B command. Bxxyy. where xx.
and yy an; the bottom left screen coordinates. The display is a window on the whole grid of
seabed information. The window position can be moved by use of the cursor control arrow
keys .,. Shift key.

There are special foatures 10 speed the setting up of a seabed where it is unifonn. Where the
seabed is flat. or consta nt in the north-so uth or east-west direction. a seabed duplica ting
feature can be used. The row or column containing the cursor can be duplicated in the desired
d irect ion. right. left. up. or down by use of the cursor control arrow keys + Shift key Ctr!
key. Only grid posi tions appearing on the screen are affected.

· Where there is a uniform slo pe. a seabed interpolation facilicy can be used. The computer can
be made to insert intermediate positions in a rectangle by linear interpolation between the
four ccmer values. The lower left corner of the interpolationrectangle is at the bottom left of
,he B page. The top nght corner can be at any position on the screen. The interpolation
rectangle can nor exceed the size of the screen, and the interpolation wiII not work where the
seabed is subdivided. After entering the four corner values, return the cursor ro the top left
screen position and enter:
lxy x = numbe r of columns in interpolation rectangle
y = number of rows
For example, 169 will interpolate bothdepth and roughness between the four corner values at
screen coordinates:
(0,8) (5,8)
(0,0) (5,0)
Alternatively
IDxy will interpola te de p ths only

42
 IRxy will interpolate roughness only

6.2.3.3 Subdivided Squares

In places such as navigation channels and harbour entrances where greater accuracy is
.required, it is possible to subdivide seabed squares into smaller squares. The smallest size
permitted is l /8 of the basic square side length.

On theB page display, the keys "<" and ">" are used to increase or decrease the "nest level"
of the display. Every time the nest level is increased, an additional grid position is shown
between each existing position. At positions w-bere no information has been entered, "_"
characters are displayed instead of depth or roughness figures. Subdivided depths are stored
in groups of 3 to the North and East of a grid position defined at a lower nest level. \Vhen a
grid position is defined at a higher nest level than is currently being displayed it is displayed
in inverse video. The special features for seabed duplication do not work v.'ith a subdivided
seabed. Any subdivided depths will be eliminated during the duplication process.

When entering seabed data it is very useful to view the seabed grid on the graphics overvi;._.
page. The display is Switched on on the O page.

For multi-ship simulators, seabed data is only sent to the student stations when it is read from
disk. After changing the seabed, it is necessary to save to disk, then load again, before the
changes will take effect at the student stations.

. 6.2.4 Multi-Seabed
It is possible to load several seabeds at the same time. A special .SBD file giving a list of files
is created with a text editor. The syntax is shown in the following example.
file POR TCENT .SBDmight contain the following lines:
#include "LISBOA.SBD "
#include "SETUB AL.SBD "
#include"DAR OCA.SBD"

When PORTCENT is entered as the seabed name, and loaded, all three seabeds are read in.
When seabed information has to be calculated at a particular position the list of seabeds is
scanned and the first one which covers the position is used for the calculations.

Seabeds to be combined are usual]v taken from different ch .rts. The d12-rts m?.y c ,; e:-
ad jacent areas, or they may cover particular areas of a larger chart in more detail. In the above
example, LISBOA.SBD and SETUBAL.SBD givedetailed information for the approaches to
Lisbon and Setubal harbours. DAROCA.SBD covers a large area of the surrounding seabed
with less detail. ln a case like this, be sure that the more detailed charts are at the top of the
list so that they are used in preference to the less detailed charts.

• When a multi-seabed is loaded, the seabed information at the bonom of the C page and on the
B page apply to the seabed currently being used for calculations (normally the seabed at Own
Ship I position). The values should not be altered. It is not possible to save the seabed on the
C page. lf"Display seabed grid" is selected on the O page, the Alt G page shows the seabed
currently being used for calculations in detail, and other seabeds as the rectangular outline

43
 only.

When the own ship moves from one seabed to another there will nonnally be a discontinuity
in the seabed. On the echo sounder, the discontinuity will be smoothed out so there is no
instantaneous change in seabed depth.

6.3 POSITION FIXING

6.3.1 Use of Positioning Method "X Y chart mm"

The display of X,Y mm on a chart allows an exercise to be constructed on a chart or a sheet
of graph paper. With a chart, usea sheet of transparent graph paper as an overlay. X Y
positions read from the graph paper can be directly entered into the computer.

To allow conversion of chart mm units, the chart scale and origin need to be entered on the C
• page. It is essential that these figures are correctly set before entering positions in "X Y chart
mm". The recommended procedure for calculating the scales is as follov.,-s. -=
1. Select the chart origin position, normalJy the bottom left corner.
2. Use the graph paper to be used for measuring positioos (or a ruler or digitiser) to
measure the X Y coordinate in mm of a latitude longitude position near the top right
comer of the chart.
3. Enter "Exercise Origin Lat Long" as that of the measured position near the chart top
right. Enter "Chart Origin Lat Long" as that of the selected chart origin.
4. Adjust "Chart scale X" and Y until the figures for "Origin X" and Y are minus the
measured figures.
5. Enter proper "Exercise Origin Lat Long" and "Chan Origin Lat Long" .
Separate figures for X and Y scale allow accurate fitting of real charts which very often show
paper distortion. A Y scale value of O means Y scale equal to X scale.

6.3.2 Latitude Longitude - Earth Model Datum Shifts

6.3.2.1 General
Latitude longitude positions apply to a particular model of the earth. When positions come
from different sources, different earth models may have been used, and it is necessary to
.apply datum shifts if great accuracy is required. The most convenient standard to use is the
WGS model of the earth because this is the standard used by GPS navigators.

Large scale charts usually give a correction to be appl ied to OPS positions, for example:
"Satellite derived positions should be moved 0.02 minutes SOUTHWARD and 0. l O minutes
EASTWARD to agree with this chart". Typical values for the correction are up to 300m.

6.3.2.2 Entering the Datum Shifts

For radar landmasses, the corrections can be included in the .u,rofile by entering a 'G' line
after the scale aod origin values at the start of the file. The above example would give a G
line: "G -0.020.l O". See the program DIGIT documentation for further details.

If the digitised coastline is in several files, a 'G' line is needed after each 'O' line in the .LND
files if datum shifting to a particular darurn is required. If no 'G' line is present, it is assumed

44
that the datum for the file is the same as "Exercise datum".

For other exercise data, the correction is given on the C page as an adjustment to be made to
the Exercise Origin: "Offset from WGS datum". The offsets required are those for the chart
used to extract exercise data such as target positions. Again, the values to enter for the above
example would be -0.02 0.10.

6.3.2.3 Applying the Datum Shifts - 0 Page

There are three ways that the datum shifts can be allowed for.
N = none. No datum shifts are made.
E = exercise. The "Exercise datum" as defined by "Offset from WGS datum" is used as the
basis for simulator latitude longitude positions. If a different datum is used for
the radar landmass, it is datum shifted. "Satellite derived" own ship positions
transmitted by the simulator as "$GP" NMEA0183 sentences are first shifted
to WGS datum. OLlier NMEA positions are not datum shifted.
W = WGS. Simulator positions are shifted to the WGS danun. This is done by making
internal adjustment to "Exercise Origin Lat Long" displayed on the C page.
The result is that all latitude longitude positions are shifted to WGS datum
with the exception of the Origin Lat Longs displayed on the C page. Positions
displayed as "X Y m" and "X Y chart mm" are not affected.

If positions measured from a chart are input as Lat Long, be sure that position darum N or E
is selected.

45