New facility at Tuas Naval Base to make training more efficient
A new facility at Tuas Naval Base will cut training time by 60 per cent for sailors to operate Singapore's latest home-built high-tech warships, with two more ready for action.
The RSS Daring-Littoral Mission Vessel Simulation Centre uses technology, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, to make training more effective and efficient.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah opened the centre and officiated at the commissioning of RSS Justice and RSS Indomitable - the navy's fourth and fifth littoral mission vessels (LMVs) to turn operational.
Ms Indranee said that in addition to its traditional role in coastal security, maritime patrol and surveillance missions, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) plays an important role in humanitarian aid, disaster relief and search-and-rescue missions.
"To accommodate this wider range of maritime missions, LMVs adopt a concept of 'modularity', which allows them to be easily configured to suit a variety of mission demands," said Ms Indranee.
All eight LMVs are scheduled to be operational by 2020.
The new centre was jointly developed by the RSN and the Defence Science and Technology Agency.
It houses two simulation halls that replicate the LMV Integrated Command Centre's 360-degree view around the ship.
A variety of simulations can be generated - including harsh weather conditions, system malfunction and the presence of enemy ships.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ang Goon Hwee, commanding officer of the centre, said: "With the high-fidelity projection, training can be conducted in harsh and demanding conditions in a risk-free and controlled setting, so the trainees can focus on honing their skills to achieve higher competency, resulting in more effective training."
In the past, the berthing training exercise had to be conducted out at sea for four hours and needed a crew of 23.
At the new centre, berthing training can be done by four people in one hour.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now