Practice and prospects of seafarer simulation training in foreign communication competence

Abstract

The STCW Convention primary points out the required competencies of seafarers. The high level of their technological and technical training and capabilities is known to be among the most important ones. Due to the high speed of technological progress, it means the necessity to develop the professional abilities, knowledge and skills constantly and not to lose from the view the important perspectives. Analyzing educational experience, the article proves that the effectiveness of simulators, used for seafarer training, in developing foreign language competences is increased if special simulation training scenarios are provided whereby many soft and hard factors must be taken into account including the principals of the Ecological Education. As Augmented Reality Gadgets are known to be prospectively implemented into the ship’s navigation, questions about their effectiveness, discussed and searched with questionnaire among seafarers and cadets of Maritime University, are valuable from different points of view including simulation training scenarios designing. The survey showed that not all influencing from the practical point of view, perspectives for the introduction of AR technologies are considered to be positive, desirable and valuable. The article points out the necessity to take into account all of them especially at the stage of equipment elaboration and simulation development. The Ecological Augmented Reality attitude should and is able to be an important instrument at stages of design development and implementation. We are sure that the being developed AR “tools” should be based not only on the principles of an Ecological Psychology, but Ecological Education as well which may contribute to higher levels of performance and adaptation to the user’s perceptual abilities and environmental motivation.