SUEZ CANAL AUTHORITY

Maritime Training and

Simulation Center
Maritime Training in Suez Canal
Marine training is one of the vital sectors in the Suez Canal Authority, where navigation on the Suez
Canal is the first priority for the authority. So along with the rapid development of the shipping
industry that requires continuous training to keep up with that fast progress

In 1996, the Suez Canal Authority established the Maritime Training and Simulation Center for
the purpose of training the Suez Canal Authority guides on the safe passage of ships in various
navigational cases.

The center relied on the most advanced training methods of the time and was one of the most
specialized centers in the Middle East.
Maritime Training Sectors

Ship Handling Simulator Tug Simulation

Oil Spill Management ECDIS/ARPA Classroom

GMDSS Simulation Dredging Simulation

 Suez Canal Ship
Handling Simulator

Possibility of
Possibility of making
Full-mission, DNV- operating more
three separate and
approved, Class-A Ship than one type of
interacted maneuvers
Handling Simulator. propulsion in each
simultaneously
bridge

Training in open sea, High quality and Assistance in

coastal and restricted realistic visualization navigational risk
waterways. of Suez Canal. assessment
 Training Objectives
Theoretical Training Promotion of Pilots
The theoretical training for pilots will be executed through To be upgraded to the next level of tonnage, the pilot training
special courses in the field of pilotage which are mainly applied blends practice with theory supported by Simulation, ensuring
in Maritime institutes; the course is comprised of some units, a professional and participatory atmosphere. Often a feasibility
each of discrete training objectives which will provide a logical study is performed before training. While the studies and
sequence in the acquisition of piloting and ship handling. training instructors operate the simulator (s) and (de) brief the
participants.

Practical Training
Selection of Instructors
The practical training will be executed with the aid of the ship
The instructors are carefully chosen for a project on experience
handling Simulator. We can set up almost any scenario. An
and type of Simulation.
example of this was the training of PORT SAID pilots, for all
berths and docks, where we trained pilots the new east port The MTSC instructors have all proven themselves at sea as
(SCCT) and a new generation of container ships, were also Master Marines and also still works as a senior chief pilot at
able to familiarize themselves with maneuvering in the new Suez Canal.
terminal before it was completed.

The flexibility of being able to change the current, time, and

weather conditions instantly, inter-connecting own-ship
bridges for tug / ship interaction and to be able to repeatedly
pause, replay to assess and analyses a maneuver.

Realistic ship model behavior (vessel, tug, any other floating

object) responding realistically to environmental conditions
(Wind, Waves, and Current) and hydrodynamic interaction.
Other real-life phenomenon such as bank suction, squat and
trim and depth / draft dependent modeled.
Simulator Layout
The simulation complex consists of four own ship bridges, four instructor stations, two exercise
debriefing facilities, visual imaging system and simulation hardware and software.

The full mission own ship bridge is furnished and equipped in a ship like manner. The bridge is designed
to be of operational/hands on type to allow for realistic training according to DNV requirements.

The Own ship equipment is similar to real shipboard equipment both in appearance and in operation.
Instrument readouts are either analogue or digital according to current ship practice.
Instructor Stations
Both the Full Mission Navigational Bridge and Tug Bridges include one Main and Two Additional Instructor Stations, connected on
the LAN and capable of communicating with the other simulator Instructor Stations.

Instructor stations can communicate and control all connected bridges. In addition, all exercises are recordable and available for
playback after the exercise on either the Instructor or debriefing stations.

Each Instructor area is designed with sufficient space to accommodate at least tree instructors, and offering unencumbered
access to communication devices.

NTPro-5000
At the heart of each of the Instructor Stations is the NT-PRO 5000 instructor control and monitoring software which resides on
a single PC. This software provides the tools for exercise creation, conduct, monitoring, interaction, debrief, replay and review.

The instructor can adjust and view simultaneously several windows, with on-chart presentation of current exercise areas, and
various alpha-numeric displays.

Exercise objects:

• Weather zones special orders

• Fixed depth zones • Rain clouds with their routes
• Passive targets as wrecks • Tugs for mooring operation
• Land objects • Mooring points (Buoys and Bollards)
• Helicopters passive targets • Text information
• Special objects (Liferafts, etc.) • Additional points, Zones and Lines
• Ownships and their routes
• Passive targets and their routes, lights, shapes and
Our Services
Training of Suez Canal Pilots
Training SCA Pilots on special manoeuvers for transiting safely
the Canal at different ship’s tonnages and draughts up to 66
feet for the time being.

Training the Pilots to enable them controlling the vessel in

different conditions especially bad visibility and different
environmental conditions.

Training for Ship Masters

The simulation center holds special courses “SAFE HANDLING
OF SHIPS IN SUEZ CANAL” for ships masters who transit
the canal frequently to familiarize them with the channel
characteristics and pilotage for good understanding and
cooperation between pilots and masters for safe passage,
these courses are provided by experienced instructor chief
pilots from different sections specialized in handling huge and
deep draught ship.

First Transit Trials

Designing and running trial manoeuvres for ships transiting the
canal for the first time using the mathematical model of the
ship.
Analysis of Accidents
Analyzing any accident in the Canal in order to find out the
causes and the proper avoidance in future by the aid of ship
parameters curves recorded during simulation session.

Research Studies
The simulation center participates in the studies of the
development of navigational facilities of the Suez Canal, where
the center has the capabilities of the design of sea lanes and
ports. One of the models for the development processes is the
participation of the center in the design and testing of the Suez
Canal and the new and the training of the Authority’s guides
on navigation in the new Suez Canal
Conning Display
A Conning Control Display (CCD) is provided on each full mission ownship bridge. The CCD consists of a main conning data display,
and a number of pertinent “call up” pages for information, controls and simulation features like Gyro and Magnetic compass,
rudder and propulsion controls and indicators for the vessel model, Pilot Card, Autopilot Control, Echo sounder, Navigation lights,
Log and Anchor control, Mooring operations and more

Main Conning Display Autopilot Control Eco sounder

Navigation Lights Log and Anchor Control Mooring operations

 Transas ECDIS Navi-Sailor 4000

Electronic Charts
The simulator includes Transas Navi-Sailor 4000 ECDIS system housed in a marine console
and equipped with a dedicated ECDIS keyboard with integrated trackball, is provided on
both the VOS and OIVOS bridges. In addition all PC based classroom simulator stations
include this functionality.

Transas Navi-Sailor ECDIS is type approved by DNV in accordance with the IMO’s performance
standards for Electronic chart display information systems.

Navigational Aids Station

Simulated Navigational Aids are provided at the chart table on 15” LCD displays on
each bridge. simulated Navigational Aid unit is fully integrated with the simulator,
giving the same accuracy as in real life, and operational procedures as found on
real equipment.

• Simulated systems include:

• DGPS Navigator
• Furuno Radio Direction Finder
• Furuno Loran C
• McMurdo/Transas Minimum Keyboard display (MKD)
• Transas Shipboard Security Alert System (SSAS)
Radars
Suez Canal simulator allows training in modern radar and ARPA operation skill. The simulator includes the most advanced marine
radar image generator which provides realistic relief reflection, target reflection, weather conditions (rain and sea clutter), and
noise simulation.

The radar simulation presents the following capabilities:

• Imitates displays of the following radar types: Bridge Master E, Furuno FR2100, Nucleus 6000;
• Real ARPA/radar units can be incorporated using Transas Radar Imitator Board
• The instructor radar/ARPA allows the instructor to see the current radar situation in any point of the gaming area, and from
any ship involved in the exercise;
• Ensures full ARPA functionality in the simulation mode with the capability to track up to 60 targets;
• Real ARPA keyboard can be connected
• Provides trial manoeuvre operation mode.
GMDSS
GMDSS Radio Communication simulators
based on PCs, software and hardware
facilities have been developed for training
and examining ship specialists who receive
a General Operator Certificate (GOC) or
Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC).

The program implemented in the simulator

is in full compliance with IMO Resolution
A.703(17) and the latest requirements of the
STCW Convention, and ensures correct and
efficient operation of all the GMDSS equipment
subsystems in the scope specified in IMO ‘Model
Course 1.25.

MF/HF Radio DSC NAVTEX

Debriefing
One of the most important elements of any simulation and training system is the exercise and debriefing facilities offered. Suez
Canal simulator debriefing includes highly developed analysis and replay tools to allow Instructors to complete their training
objectives with comprehensive, detailed and effective debriefing sessions.

Debriefing facility enables:

• On-chart monitoring and control of own ships and targets

• Replaying of recorded exercise data forward and backwards both in real time and faster than real time on the exercise
chart.
• Display and examine data from the simulated exercise, using diagrams and tables
• Set-up and control simultaneous and/or multiple debriefing sessions

Evaluation and Assessment

The Transas Evaluation and Assessment System (TEAS) allows
objective assessment of an exercise fulfilled by a trainee on
a navigational simulator. It is possible to compare individual
exercise fulfilment scores with other exercise results. Results
can be averaged with other runs or with the results of other
trainees.

Evaluation Report
Visual Presentation
Suez Canal simulator includes a full range of visual conditions, continuously varied from through a full daily cycle in all types of
climatic conditions. These conditions are manually adjustable by the Instructor, or automatically generated based upon the time
of day set for the exercise start, and the geographic location. All levels of visibility are offered from clear conditions to thick fog,
or variable fog banks. Snow, rain, thunder and lightning, celestial objects correct for the date/time, sun shading, reflections and
highly developed sea visualizations.

Suez Canal simulator includes a full, high detailed and up-to-date version of Suez Canal area covering over 190 KM including the
new Suez Canal. The database includes Suez Canal visual scene, radar simulation, and environmental information Suez Canal like
approches, anchroage areas, light houses, landmarks, bouys, and more.

Suez Ismailia Portsaid

Ferdan Bridge Salam Bridge East Portsaid Terminal

 Ship Models

Container Ships
Ref No. Engine Bow / Stern Propeller Speed Displacement Length x Bradth x Dead Weight
thrusters(kW) (knt) Draft

CONTAINER SHIP 11, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 25270 1 x 1750 1 FPP 22.50 51309 25.3 x 10.4 x 3.87 35000

CONTAINER SHIP 17, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 72240 2 x 1700 1 FPP 23.50 201700 366 x 51.20 x 15.60 155600

CONTAINER SHIP 3, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 54935 1 x 2000 1 FPP 24.90 83105 277.40 x 40 x 13.30 58070

CONTAINER SHIP 4 Diesel, 1 x 60950 1 x 2210 1 FPP 22.80 132540 347 x 42.80 x 14 104696

CONTAINER SHIP 22 Diesel, 1 x 71785 2 x 3500 1 FPP 25.50 191000 393 x 56 x 13.70
(EMMA MAERSK) / 2 x 3500

CONTAINER SHIP 25 Diesel, 2 x 30632 2 x 2500 2 FPP 23 257771 399 x 59 x 16

(TripeE – Mckney Moller)
CONTAINER SHIP 2, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 54847 1 x 2000 1 FPP 27.10 93130 279 x 40.40 x 14

FEEDER CONTAINER SHIP 1 Diesel, 1 x 12640 1 x 950 / 1 x 650 1 CPP 20.60 24080 169 x 27.20 x 9.49

FEEDER CONTAINER SHIP 3 Diesel, 1 x 3263 1 x 300 1 CPP 16 5530 90 x 14.50 x 6.30

CONTAINER SHIP 15 Diesel, 1 x 68640 1 x 2000 1 FPP 26.50 107500 304 x 40 x 14.22

CONTAINER SHIP 20, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 80080 2 x 2200/ 1 FPP 26.40 211405 397.7 x 56.5 x 15.2
2 x 2200

CONTAINER SHIP 28 Diesel, 1 x 17316 1 x 1000/ 1 FPP 20.10 32910 190 x 30 x 8.50
1 x 1000
 Tankers and VLCCs
Ref No. Engine Bow / Stern Propeller Speed Displacement Length x Bradth x Dead Weight
thrusters(kW) (knt) Draft

VLCC 1, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 15500 1 FPP 15 159584 261 x 48 x 16.90

VLCC 2, BALLAST Diesel, 1 x 23493 1 FPP 17.10 127691 332 x 58 x 11 279400

VLCC 4, FLOAD Steam Turb., 1 x 2000 1 FPP 19.40 108959 249.8 x 44.1 x 15.4 58070
1 x 26800
VLCC 3, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 15730 1 FPP 14.40 122961 250 x 44 x 14.20
VLCC 8, PLOAD Diesel, 1 x 24493 1 FPP 15 309795 332.90 x 60 x 19.50

LNGs
Ref No. Engine Bow / Stern Propeller Speed Displacement Length x Bradth x Dead Weight
thrusters(kW) (knt) Draft

LNG 1, FLOAD Steam Turb., 1 x 2000 1 FPP 19.40 108959 297.5 x 45.8 x 10.80 68200
1 x 26800

LNG 6, FULL LOAD Diesel, 2 x 17490 2 FPP 19.50 171300 360 x 55 x 12 125600

LNG 15 (QMAX) Diesel, 2 x 18940 1 FPP 21.20 171705 345.30 x 53.80 x 12 125600

Bulk Carriers
Ref No. Engine Bow / Stern Propeller Speed Displacement Length x Bradth x Dead Weight
thrusters(kW) (knt) Draft

BULK CARRIER 4 Diesel, 1 x 9856 1 FPP 14.80 104510 250 x 43 x 12 90100

BULK CARRIER 7 PANAMAX Diesel, 1 x 9856 1 FPP 14.80 69580 230 x 32 x 12 50100

BULK CARRIER 5, FULL LOAD Diesel, 1 x 25000 1 FPP 14.60 248000 327 x 55 x 16.30 179658

BULK CARRIER 5, PART LOAD Diesel, 1 x 25000 1 FPP 14.60 142600 327 x 55 x 9.77

BULK CARRIER 12, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 6620 1 x 1030 1 CPP 12.90 38624 225.5 x 23.76 x 7.93 30000

BULK CARRIER 17, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 14720 1 FPP 14.60 155000 289 x 45 x 14.20
BULK CARRIER 1, FLOAD Diesel, 1 x 8827 1 FPP 14 33089 182.9 x 22.6 x 10.7

BULK CARRIER 15 Diesel, 1 x 15500 1 FPP 14.60 155000 289 x 45 x 14.20

Car Carriers
Ref No. Engine Bow / Stern Propeller Speed Displacement Length x Bradth x Dead Weight
thrusters(kW) (knt) Draft

CAR CARRIER 8 Diesel, 1 x 15130 1 x 1250 1 FPP 20.70 27784 200 x 32.20 x 8.50 12688
CAR CARRIER 7 Diesel, 1 x 23743 1 x 1600/ 1 CPP 19.20 68229 240 x 36.20 x 10.90
1 x 1600
 Tug Simulation
The simulator is configured to include two bridges for tugs of VSP, ASD and Conventional twin screw type including real ship like
HW controls. Both tug bridges shall be configured with simulated towing winch equipped with its necessary control, monitor and
alarm. Both tug controls shall be realistic controls similar to the actual tug operational systems.

The simulator provides capability to train personnel on how to tow ships, failure and damaged ships, rigs, etc... Also, Operating
the tug boats in escorting direct and indirect modes, towing, floating of grounded vessels.

The simulator is also able to prepare and execute a detailed passage plan including berthing and using of anchors, mooring lines
and up to eight (8) tugboats.

ASD Tug Bridge VSP Tug Bridge

High Quality Mathematical Models
A large library of high-quality ship models designed to sail in
narrow channels, developed in collaboration with the trainers and
engineers of the simulation center.

The tug simulator is used to perform operations:

• Escorting ships
• Emergency handling of ships
• Towing and rescue operations
• Port entry and exit operations

Tugs
Ref No. Engine Bow Stern Speed Displace- Pulling Length x Bradth x Draft
thrusters thrusters ment Power
(kW) (kW)

ASD Tug 1 (bp53t) Diesel, 2 x 1566 2 Azimuth FPP 11.20 366 53 25.30 x 10.40 x 3.87

ASD Tug 4 (bp70t) Diesel, 2 x 1280 1 x 90 2 Azimuth CPP 12.70 450 40 26 x 8.90 x 4.30

Azimuth Tractor Tug 1 (bp77t) Diesel, 2 x 2350 2 Azimuth FPP 12 885 77 33.50 x 12.80 x 6.10

Z-Drive Tug 2 (bp39t) Diesel, 2 x 1156 2 Azimuth FPP 9.50 366 39 25 x 10.40 x 3.90

Voith Sheinder Tug 2 (bp 55t) Diesel, 2 x 1965 VSP 13 797 55 39.30 x 13.90 x 5.80

Voith Sheinder Tug 3 (bp 70t) Diesel, 2 x 2710 VSP 13 70 42 x 15.30 x 6.30

ASD Tug 8 Diesel, 2 x 2300 1 x 650 2 Azimuth CPP 13 1307 75 41 x 12.70 x 5.10

OSV 5 Diesel, 2 x 2797 1 x 1120; 2 CPP 14 8637 87.70 x 20.10

1 x 880 drop- x 6.40
down /
1 x 1120
Oil Spill Response Management
Suez Canal Simulation Complex contains the
capability to handle oil spill response situations
using PISCES II software solution. The system is
capabile of simulating handling of pollution caused
by oil leakage where all oil spill data and different
weather conditions are entered, and then predict
how leakage spread and the method of optimum
control.

PISCES II is a response simulator intended for

preparing and conducting command centre
exercises and area drills in oil spill response. The
PISCES II is oriented to the accomplishment of
tasks required by the Oil Pollution Act 1990 (OPA
90) to provide improved training for spill response
managers.

The PISCES II provides the exercise participants with an interactive information environment based on the mathematical modeling
of an oil spill interacting with surroundings and combat facilities. The system also includes information-collecting facilities to
enable the assessment of the participants’ performance.
 ECDIS/ARPA Classroom Simulator
The Electronic Navigation Systems have become
essential for planning, execution and monitoring of
safe and efficient navigation. The ECDIS/Radar can
play an important role in improving and maintaining
the Situation Awareness of the whole bridge team.

Maritime Training and Simulation Center has recently

added ECDIS/Radar ARPA class room. The class room
shall allow SCA to provide courses that demonstrate
sufficient knowledge, skills and understanding for
ECDIS/Radar according to STCW 2010 (Latest Edition)
ECDIS and Radar ARPA competencies (table A-II).

The ECDIS/Radar ARPA class room allows SCA to

provide the following IMO Model Courses:

• IMO Model Course 1.27 “Operational Use of ECDIS”.

• IMO Model Course 1.07 “Radar Navigation – Operational level”.

• IMO Model Course 1.08 (Radar, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork and Search and Rescue Search and Rescue).
 Dredging Simulator
Modern industries use dedicated simulators widely for crew training.
The idea is to provide realistic training while eliminating accidents,
production losses, damage to highly expensive assets and even
personal injury.

Simulators represent substantial investments but cost just a fraction

of the real thing. So it’s no surprise that the dredging industry is using
more and more of these systems.

Maritime Training and Simulation Center recently added CSD

Dredging Simulator to help dredging department to train technical
staff on optimized dredging operations. The CSD simulator can be
used to familiaris technical staffers, electricians and field managers
with the operational ins and outs of jobs and the possibilities of the
vessels deployed on that job, to draw in new talent and to motivate new staff and assess their potential.

The CSD Dredging Simulator simulates the newly built dredgers “Mohab Mameesh” and “Hussein Tantawy” recenly joined the
Suez Canal Authority dredging capacity.
Contact Information
Telephone: 002 064 3395349
Fax : 002 064 3395340
E-Mail : [email protected]
Website : www.suezcanal.gov.eg