Use of VR Technologies in the System of Quality Assessment of Seafarer’s Professional Competence Formation

Abstract

AbstractThe article presents the specific features of using VR technology in the training of future marine specialists on the example of the formation of professional competence to ensure safe navigation through the use of information provided by navigation equipment and systems that support the decision-making process. The complexity of assessing constantly changing navigational circumstances, the complexity of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) interface - require the navigator to respond to these changes quickly. Thus, in the process of preparing future seamen, it is necessary to create models of future professional actions that are as close to reality as possible. It has been proven that the use of VR technology increases the learning efficiency of educational material for ship control dynamic systems. The requirements for the software and hardware of the proposed model for the formation of navigator’s professional competencies are formulated. At the beginning of the research, there were created two subgroups of applicants who had the same level of training. The experimental subgroup was engaged in training evasive maneuvers using VR technology and, as a result, most of the applicants learned to perform this task safely and quickly, compared to classical subgroup, under the given weather conditions and channel geometry, compared to the classical one. The article also provides algorithms for the software implementation of preparing and monitoring of proposed VR-system exercises, as a component of the model for the formation of navigator’s professional competencies.KeywordsVR – systemNavigational information systemNavigatorsTechnical means of navigationECDIS