Playing Serious Games with Virtual Reality

The vivid experiences created using virtual reality technology offer unsurpassed scenario-based training opportunities. Now easily deployable at sea or on land, seafarers can play “serious games” with an autonomous device that generates interactive games designed to achieve specific training goals.

SQLearn has opened up this fascinating world on its Dolphin Platforms, focusing on the seafarer's active participation in the learning matrix while reducing the time and cost of the training process.

Virtual Reality, the simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real way, is not to be confused with augmented reality that simply superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world. Training using virtual reality can be as good as on a real life training situation. 

Combining virtual reality technology with innovative e-learning resources has been shown to be particularly effective in industries that require familiarization with situations that would be dangerous, expensive or even impossible to simulate in real life. 

Moving beyond the initial impact of the scenario, re-experiencing a mistake through simulation enables trainees to react again and build up their confidence and practical skills. 

Applications of virtual reality technology in the maritime industry include ensuring crew have the experience they need to safely and efficiently deal with situations such as mooring operations, machinery adjustments, galley fires or engineroom explosions.

These “serious games” also help build resilience, a concept that focuses on a person’s ability to achieve goals under a large variety of conditions, both anticipated and unexpected. A less resilient person is more likely to feel overwhelmed; a more resilient person is better able to maintain poise as well as a healthy level of physical and psychological wellness in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.

SQLearn’s technology can be deployed using either Oculus Rift headsets or Oculus Go - an autonomous device that offers maximum portability. Both can be used both ashore and on board.

SQLearn has created VR familiarization walkthroughs using basic sections of a tanker vessel, most notably the bridge, various parts of the engine room and the deck. The company's interactive games address specific training situations such as a fire drill scenario.

A Greek company founded in 2006, SQLearn is a specialized provider of e-learning services, including custom e-learning solutions, integrated Learning Management Systems development, instructional design and custom e-learning content development, game based learning, serious games development, 3D training simulations, mobile learning and e-learning consultancy services.

SQLearn created Dolphin Platforms, a complete suite of specialized services for the shipping industry. Dolphin Platforms include a range of innovative and effective products, using flexible, interactive and reflective learning techniques.

SQLearn’s e-learning facilities and e-learning courses are certified according to relevant ABS standards and to ISO 9001:2015.