Maritime VR Simulator Development: Benefits & Types

Optimizing vessel operations, providing qualitative training to seafarers and the whole crew, and ensuring the necessary security arrangements are the pivotal elements for an effective offshore operation. And this is where the VR marine simulator comes in handy.

  

But how can this technology improve vessel operations and safety training? How does the virtual reality maritime simulator work? What features are required for developing a custom VR marine simulation software?

 

Recently, the Onix team built a VR-based ship simulator that provides a fully immersive user experience and uses realistic water and vessel physics effects.

 

And now, by harnessing related expertise, we're ready to share our development insights on how your maritime business can harness the power of this technology. Keep reading to discover more!

 

Note: All content is based on real-life case studies Onix has developed.

Example of VR ship simulator made by Onix 

How Does the Maritime VR Simulator Work?

Today virtual marine technology ​allows for replicating various real-life scenarios from crane handling, towing, and deck machinery to firefighting, boat handling, coast guard, and rescue boats.

 

VR simulators require using special controllers, VR headsets, and other sensors connected to a smartphone or computer to replicate realistic situations and vessel handling with a degree of realism. These devices allow trainees to interact with objects and other people in 3D environments just as in real life.

 

Below is an example of a maritime VR simulation allowing users to control various vessels, fight against realistic water physics, and navigate various European ports.

 

 

So, we discussed the main idea of a virtual maritime simulator and how it works. Now it's time to figure out what benefits the solution can bring to the maritime business.

 

 

What are the benefits of using marine VR simulation?

VR technology gives clear advantages to marine businesses. They are:

Realistic training scenarios

One of the most significant benefits of VR vessel training is its ability to recreate realistic training scenarios. Unlike traditional training methods, which often rely on static simulations or theoretical instruction, VR simulations provide an immersive environment where trainees can experience real-world challenges firsthand.

 

From navigating treacherous waters to responding to emergencies, VR simulations offer a dynamic learning experience that prepares maritime professionals for any situation they may encounter at sea.

 

High standard of safety

Safety is paramount in the maritime industry; even minor errors can have catastrophic consequences. Ship simulator development with VR allows trainees to practice safety procedures in a risk-free environment, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries during actual operations.

 

By familiarizing themselves with safety protocols and emergency procedures in a virtual setting, maritime professionals can react quickly and decisively when faced with real-life emergencies, ultimately saving lives and minimizing damage to vessels and the environment.

 

Cost-effective training

Traditional maritime training methods require significant financial equipment, personnel, and logistics investments. With VR technology, training can be conducted virtually, reducing the need for expensive physical resources such as ships, simulators, and training facilities. 

 

Additionally, VR simulations can be accessed remotely, allowing trainees to participate in training sessions from anywhere worldwide, reducing travel and accommodation costs.

 

Personalized learning experiences

Every maritime professional has unique training needs based on their role, experience level, and areas of expertise.

 

VR simulation technology enables trainers to tailor learning experiences to meet each trainee's needs, providing targeted instruction and feedback to help them improve specific skills and competencies.

 

Whether it's mastering ship navigation, cargo handling, or emergency response procedures, VR simulations offer personalized training experiences that maximize learning outcomes and competency development.

 

Environmental sustainability

The maritime industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. VR simulation contributes to these efforts by minimizing the need for physical resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional training methods.

 

By conducting training virtually, maritime organizations can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental footprint, aligning with broader sustainability goals and initiatives within the industry.

 

Fast learning process

Marine VR simulation can significantly accelerate the staff training period. According to a recent study, learners trained using VR solutions completed their training four times faster than traditional classroom training and e-learning.

 

Objective assessment of trainees' performance

Maritime VR simulation represents a convenient system that effectively monitors trainees' performance and objectively and accurately assesses employees’ results.

 

 

Maritime VR Simulators Use Cases

So how do maritime VR simulators work in practice? Let's consider various marine solutions and see how your business can leverage VR technology.

 

Maritime VR simulation for firefighting training

This type of maritime VR simulator allows the crew to practice their skills in firefighting. 

Example of VR simulation for firefighting training made by Onix

 

3D virtual environment and VR technology simulate fire on board, allowing seafarers to experience real-life accidents. During this training, employees learn how to accurately assess the stressful situation and deal with fires effectively.

 

Below is an example of a simulation system, K-Sim Safety, that aims to train employees to manage fire on board. Check out the video below.

 

 

Simulator for rescue craft training

Such a simulator allows learners to train their navigation and pilotage skills and improve their search and rescue operations skills.

Rescue craft simulation provides trainees with various training scenarios, including time of day and weather conditions. Below you can see an example of a rescue craft training in action.

 

 

VR lifting simulator

VR lifting simulators allow operators to train in many scenarios without running risks. Offshore crane VR training will enable trainees to simulate lifting experience and handling materials such as raw materials, containers, large equipment, etc. 

VR  maritime simulator built by Onix

 

Simulator for navigation training

The navigation simulator allows seafarers to learn waterway traffic regulations and how to navigate ships to avoid collisions. Trainees can try a variety of vessels (such as passenger ships, cargo vessels, etc.) and experience various geographical training areas in different weather conditions.

Let's look at a real example of how a VR navigation simulator works. Below you can see the maritime simulator that allows learners to train their skills in navigation for every scenario possible and, as a result, enhance maritime safety.

 

 

VR simulator for fishing

VR simulators provide excellent cost-effective and safe fishing training. A fishing simulator allows trainees to simulate fishing operations such as longlining, bottom, and pelagic trawling, jigging, etc.

The fishing VR simulator may include a realistic simulation of dynamics from nets, tackles, booms, and winches. Moreover, learners can train how to act when something happens with nets or fish schools using a fishery panel and a 3D underwater view.

 

To see the fishing VR simulator in action, we provide a video demonstrating a real-life example, the NAUTIS fishing simulator.

 

 

How to Develop a Marine VR Simulator

Now that you know what a marine VR simulation is all about, it's time to consider developing this solution. Below we describe some essential stages you should include in your virtual reality marine simulation development.

 

 

Specifying clear project requirements

The maritime operations simulation development process should start with understanding your project's main idea and determining its requirements. Solid project requirements give a clear picture of the work that should be done. This vision is a key to defining future steps for achieving needed results.

 

For example, we start our marine VR simulation software development at Onix with a product discovery stage. This stage allows us to determine project complexity and features to develop, test the market viability, establish deadlines, and plan a project. The product discovery phase enables us to organize smooth and timely product development and stay on the same page with our clients.

 

 

Designing a marine simulator and VR app content

VR design implies creating a simulated world where users can immerse themselves and experience real-world challenges using special hardware such as VR headsets and controllers.

 

Depending on your marine VR simulator type and your needs, you can create numerous training scenarios. Generally, a VR simulator’s design may include the following elements:

 

• 3D environments that should look as natural as possible
• Various virtual characters with which learners will interact
• Animated images that make the user experience more realistic
• 360-degree videos and special sound effects that provide deeper immersion

 

We've just covered the most common content for a marine VR simulator. But it all depends on your project requirements and needs, so developers and designers can add all the elements you need.

 

 

Defining must-have features of maritime VR simulation

Your set of functionalities directly depends on the type of marine VR simulator you choose, whether a navigation or firefighting training solution. Below we've listed a basic set of features required to build a maritime VR simulation.

 

For a maritime VR simulation development, you'll need three modules: VR app, admin panel, and cloud storage:

 

• VR app is responsible for performing training sessions and handling received data. This module runs in-app video streaming and creates audio and visual feedback for hardware such as VR headsets, speakers, and controllers.

 

With the help of this module, you can ensure gesture-controlled interactions to make more realistic conditions for learners. Furthermore, the VR app provides virtual 3D characters allowing trainees to communicate with them during the session. 

 

• Admin panel allows managing training scenarios and users' profiles. For example, with this module, you will create users’ accounts containing their personal data, accomplished training programs, metrics, etc.

 

Also, you can add, change, and remove VR training scenarios and schedule new training sessions. Moreover, you can track trainees’ performance using an analytics feature that automatically assesses learners’ effectiveness and shows their results in the dashboard.

 

• Cloud storage involves databases that allow you to store users’ information, training programs, and VR simulator content such as 3D models, audio, video, visual assets, etc.

 

Choosing VR headsets

You'll need VR headsets to enable your trainees to interact with your simulator content. Today, there is a wide variety of VR headsets you can choose from. Here are some of the famous companies that offer various choices:

 

• Oculus: Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Quest 1, Oculus Rift, Oculus Rift S
• Samsung: Samsung Gear VR, Samsung HMD Odyssey
• HTC: HTC Vive Cosmos, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Vive
• Pico Interactive: Pico Neo 2, Pico G2 4K, Neo 3 Pro/Pro Eye

Oculus Quest 2 VR headset

 

Selecting the right tech stack

The choice of technologies is an important and responsible step. Every programming language, library, and tool has its pros and cons. Therefore, the chosen technologies affect your product's scalability, security, maintainability, development time, and costs.

 

Our experts have prepared a table with a recommended tech stack for ship simulator development.

Onix Experience

We recently collaborated with a client seeking to revolutionize maritime training with an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) VR Simulator.

 

Before developing, we conducted extensive market research to identify existing VR solutions and explore avenues for enhancing our simulator's user experience.

 

While similar apps existed, none offered the immersive VR experience our client envisioned. This insight fueled our determination to set a new standard in maritime simulation.

 

Creating a realistic AHTS VR simulator presented numerous technical challenges, from mastering water physics to accurately modeling vessel behavior under various weather conditions.

 

Our team meticulously applied water physics laws, integrated real ship maneuvering effects, and simulated dynamic weather changes to ensure an authentic and engaging experience for users.

 

To elevate immersion, we paid meticulous attention to detail, refining every aspect of the simulator, from the oil rig models to the sky and water effects. The oil rig underwent multiple remodels to adjust detail levels dynamically based on proximity.

 

At the same time, the sky and water effects were meticulously crafted to reflect the nuances of different weather conditions.

Example of VR maritime simulator made by Onix 

 

Collaborating closely with the client's design team, our Unity experts:

 

• seamlessly integrated design elements into the development process
• refined the app's interface to optimizing action buttons and shaders
• ensured a seamless and intuitive user experience that complemented the simulator's immersive VR environment.

 

 

As a result, our VR experts have created realistic computer graphics, true-to-life water physics, real ships, water cannons, live seagulls, and completely immersive virtual reality. Furthermore, this VR simulator had great success during the display at CeBit 2017.

 

 

Ready to Make a Major Step in Improving Your Vessel Operations and Safety?

Maritime businesses have quickly realized the immense advantages that VR technology can offer and will not stop leveraging it. 

 

VR simulators allow you to address critical maritime training challenges, enhance vessel operations by preparing seafarers for the conditions and practical challenges they will face in the real world, and develop technology-based maritime safety education apps.

 

And the most critical, virtual configurable equipment matches 100% of the real world. This allows your trainees to gain practical, hands-on experience in a risk-free environment.

 

Would you like to dramatically enhance your vessel operations and reach a high level of safety with a progressive VR solution? Please don't hesitate to contact us, and our experts will create a truly immersive marine experience for your trainees.

 

 

FAQ

 

Does the VR ship simulator relate to maritime VR?

Yes, VR ship simulators can relate to maritime VR. Ship simulation is an immersive experience that mimics real-life ship operations and allows users to practice their sailing and docking skills from the comfort of a virtual environment.

 

By incorporating emerging technologies such as Mixed Reality, haptics, and advanced graphics, VR ship simulators provide an incredibly realistic experience for both novices and experienced seafarers. 

 

How much does it cost to build a maritime VR simulator?

The cost of building a maritime VR simulator can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project. Factors to consider include the software and hardware requirements, development time, and any additional services needed.

 

The total cost for a complete maritime VR simulator setup can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands for more complex projects. As a rule, the approximate cost of a maritime VR simulator is about $40,000.

 

What is the future prospect of VR in the maritime industry?

The future prospects of VR in the maritime industry are promising, with the potential to revolutionize training, operations, and safety practices.

 

VR technology offers immersive and realistic simulation experiences that enable maritime professionals to train in a safe and controlled environment, reducing the risks associated with real-world training scenarios.

 

Additionally, VR can enhance situational awareness, decision-making skills, and emergency response capabilities, ultimately improving operational efficiency and safety outcomes in the maritime sector. 

 

What challenges may arise in implementing VR in the maritime industry?

Implementing VR in the maritime industry may face challenges such as high initial hardware and software costs, specialized personnel training, and integration with existing training programs and operations.

 

Despite these challenges, the maritime industry is actively working to overcome them and harness the benefits of VR. With technological advancements and a commitment to addressing these issues, VR is poised to become an integral part of the maritime sector, offering improved training, navigation, and operational efficiency.

 

How to reduce the cost of developing a maritime VR simulator?

There are a few ways to reduce the cost of developing a maritime VR simulator. First, consider utilizing off-the-shelf software that is already extensively tested and running on popular platforms like Steam, Oculus, or PlayStation.

 

Secondly, look for open-source software that can be modified to fit your needs.

 

Thirdly, maximize existing hardware by using only what you need and avoiding additional components such as expensive peripherals or additional displays. Finally, ensure the project is well planned with a clear scope and timeline to avoid costly delays.