Virtual reality technology has been introduced into IMO’s work to help its Member States to improve domestic ferry safety.
More specifically, during a virtual meeting, beneficiary Member States Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam were introduced to a technology that aims to support administrations in training their personnel using VR technology to enhance the knowledge and skills to ensure domestic passenger ship safety.
The project was funded by the Republic of Korea and delivered with technical and in-kind contribution by the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA).
Going forward, the existing VR scenarios provided by KOMSA may be expanded, with the possibility of additional scenarios being introduced into the VR equipment to extend the training to cover other types of ships (and countries), subject to further consultations with the Republic of Korea officials responsible for the bilateral IMO-Republic of Korea partnership.
The project builds on IMO’s work on domestic ferry safety in the Asia and Pacific region spanning more than 12 years.
Earlier in November, the consultation and assessment elements of a project to assist the Philippines to improve the safety and energy efficiency of its domestic ferry operations concluded.
A report with recommendations covering operational, regulatory, policy and modification solutions is expected to be released by the end of January 2023, marking the end of the project.
