Dredger simulator to avoid pricey damage

Wim Dekkers gives Vika Njoko (right) advice as he tries the new dredging simulator which was launched on Friday. Picture Gcina Ndwalane

Wim Dekkers gives Vika Njoko (right) advice as he tries the new dredging simulator which was launched on Friday. Picture Gcina Ndwalane

Published Sep 3, 2016

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Durban - Inexperienced students learning how to dredge in the harbours of South Africa will now be able to hone their skills without the risk of damaging multimillion-rand vessels.

This is thanks to the launch of Africa’s first dredging simulator on Friday.

Dredging is a critical aspect of port development as it involves specialised underwater excavation that helps keep ports and harbours safe and navigable.

The hi-tech, multimillion-rand simulator, housed at the Transnet Maritime School of Excellence will be used to aid training.

It mimics the control of a dredging vessel, and includes simulation of weather, sea conditions and soil types.

This provides realistic training without the risk of accidents, production losses, damages or injuries that could occur in real-life training.

Transnet predicts that in the first three-year period, 50 students will complete training on the simulator as part of a dredging training programme. They will then be able to undertake local or international dredging contracts.

Chief executive of Transnet National Port Authority, Richard Vallihu, said the simulator would enable the port authority to support ports in Southern Africa in developing marine skills and growing their economies.

Chief human resources officer at Transnet, Nonkululeko Sishi, said Africa was experiencing a significant increase in trade which meant growing volumes of cargo at all African ports.

“An expected surge is forcing port authorities and operators to increase capacity, analyse operations to increase efficiency as well as employ measures to allow bigger ships into their ports,” he said.

“In January we’ll be launching the first dredging school in Africa at the Transnet Maritime School of Excellence. We are very proud and looking forward to that.”

The port authority, school, and Royal HIC have put together a dredging training programme that incorporates 12 weeks of classroom theory, eight weeks of simulation training and six months of practical training.

The simulator will help perfect critical technical skills required for roles such as pipe operators, dredging masters and dredging managers.

Independent on Saturday

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