Harbor fire-extinguishing simulation

The program will be used at the German Naval Damage Control Training Center (Einsatzausbildungszentrum Schadensabwehr), in Neustadt/Holstein to train ship crews for the German Navy. It will be used as preparation for practical exercises as well as follow-up. This “serious game” was initialized and implemented together with the German Navy as part of a training series that includes “Fire Prevention Duty Aboard Ship Simulation".

There is hardly an institution that can match the innovative strength of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Especially when it comes to learning with new media, the Bundeswehr is a pioneer in many areas. This includes, for example, the use of 3D scenarios in high risk areas which could not otherwise be practiced safely, however can now be learned in the simulation.

Every individual action of an actor directly affects the course of the simulation. This virtual world must be able to react dynamically to every conceivable scenario. All actions within a run are logged. Additionally, the complete real-time communication is recorded as an audio file. These logged data are then available to be used for debriefings.

The “Harbor Fire-Extinguishing Simulation" is a multiplayer-enabled action simulation, in which three participants must cooperate in order to solve a complex task. The goal is to learn the management skills necessary to solve all tasks efficiently and error-free in an emergency. Mastery of abilities such as co-ordination of intervention and rescue teams, communication (both between players and to the outside), and rapid response to unforeseeable events, is an imperative prerequisite to avoid risks to life and limb on board, as well as minimizing damage to ships and equipment.

An instructor starts a basic scenario and, if necessary, controls additional events. He or she then records the actions of the three participants during the ongoing simulation, can mark different sections and uses the records for a final debriefing.

In the lecture hall, any number of additional students can participate as observers and follow the actions of their comrades. Each observer can decide for himself which of the three active participants can be tracked, with a change possible at any time.

The program combines different forms of teaching in one technical training tool. On the one hand, the participants in the simulation try to solve the problem in an action-oriented manner. On the other hand, those in the auditorium learn by observing the action and are involved in the learning process during debriefing. Using the recording of the simulation, the actions of the players are discussed, and with participation including the observers from the lecture hall, optimization potentials identified and errors analyzed.

An immersive, virtual environment has been created in which the trainees form a strong identification with their avatar. Despite a fixed formal framework, they have the opportunity to act freely within the simulation environment. A successful run through the simulation is only possible if all three players in the team work together and use all available options.