VR Applications in Maintenance of Certain Ship Systems

Conducted research shows that expenditures associated to all segments of ship's maintenance are around 10% but in case of older ships it can increase up to 20-30% of the total operating expenses. Ship owners strive to reduce all ship operating expenditures and increase incomes. The operation and maintenance of certain ship systems supported by new technologies have been different, requiring proper knowledge and skills of all stakeholders in considering segment of maritime industry. The training and educational skills expected today from ship's crew in domain of maintenance are constantly increasing. Modern technology, such as virtual reality (VR) will need to be incorporated in the curriculum and the content of the syllabus of maritime education and training. The main aim of the paper highlights the challenges associated with the broader adaptation of VR technology in ship systems maintenance. VR enable ship's maintenance stake holders, using virtual devices, virtual access to ship systems. The article points out the need for training through virtual reality to enhance the real inspection process, reduce human errors and improves the accuracy of diagnostic. The results of that paper clearly indicated that the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) should be updated and revised in accordance with requirements of the new technology.