Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Students and industry clients at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of  Memorial University's Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) now have access to Rutter Inc.'s state-of-the-art sigma S6 Ice Navigator.

The system provided by Rutter has been integrated into CMS's full-mission ship's bridge simulator and will enhance the centre's Fundamentals of Ice Navigation training program, a course which is delivered to industry to introduce concepts and practices to safely transit or operate in areas of ice.

"Providing CMS with our sigma S6 Ice Navigator allows the Centre to offer hands-on experience in using the system's capabilities for improving vessel operations in sea ice," said Fraser Edison, Rutter's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are extremely pleased to be able to have our product in use at this internationally recognized training centre."

"Our partnership with Rutter demonstrates our ability to engage with local industry to integrate the latest technology into our training, while showcasing the institute's enhanced safety and training capabilities for people working offshore," said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute).

The ice navigator provides real-time high resolution radar imagery of pack ice as well as improved detection of individual icebergs, bergy bits and growlers, using standard marine X-band radars. Its purpose is to deliver enhanced navigational safety for vessels operating close to and in sea ice as well as providing input of valuable ice data for offshore drilling platforms and their ice management programs.

The ice navigator will greatly benefit students and industry clients as it demonstrates technical leadership in bridge crew training and will provide trainees with a unique, hands-on experience which they will be able to apply to practical offshore work.

CMS is pursuing potential partnerships with Newfoundland based firms as a means of introducing their products into training programs while allowing for feedback on use, assessment of functionality and highlighting the type of technology development ongoing in the province to an international clientele.