VSTEP BV - Experts & Thought Leaders

Fugro acquires VSTEP’s NAUTIS simulator to advance the training of remote operators for their uncrewed surface vessels, further solidifying VSTEP’s position as a pioneer known for its unparalleled customisation and flexibility. Fugro, a pioneer in Geo-data, has partnered with VSTEP to enhance the training capabilities for their remote operators. The acquisition of VSTEP’s NAUTIS Simulator allows Fugro to train personnel on their uncrewed surface vessels (USV) using a fully customised solution. Delivering tailored solutions The ability to seamlessly integrate Fugro’s GSAVI (Global Situational Awareness Via Internet) software with NAUTIS was pivotal, reflecting VSTEP’s strength in delivering tailored solutions to meet specific client demands. “The addition of a proven simulator to Fugro’s Remote Operations Training capability will allow our Technical Trainers to safely, sustainably and effectively conduct comprehensive USV and Remote Operations training for the current and future workforce, at the world-class Fugro Academy Training Centre in Plymouth, UK,” said Wayne Reynolds, Global Technical Training Manager at Fugro. Rapidly expanding USV sector The simulated USV will be controlled using GSAVI, thus providing a realistic simulation of actual operations The simulated USV will be controlled using GSAVI, thus providing a realistic simulation of actual operations. This will allow for enhanced training, practicing of scenarios and project preparation, for USV Operators and Remote Operations Centre personnel. “We are excited to collaborate with Fugro on this innovative project, tailoring our NAUTIS simulator to meet the specific demands of their remote operations. This partnership presents a significant opportunity in the rapidly expanding USV sector, leveraging the world-class facilities at the Fugro Training Centre,” said Alexios Limnios, Business Development Team Lead | EMEA at VSTEP. Maritime training solutions Fugro intends to use this customised solution as a benchmark that they will continue to develop to be adaptable to Fugro’s ever growing USV fleet requirements. By integrating their proprietary software and working closely with VSTEP, Fugro is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the USV industry. This collaboration not only advances Fugro’s training capabilities but also lays the groundwork for future projects, as the company continues to innovate and deliver a range of USV classes in the future. This partnership highlights VSTEP’s role as a trusted provider of innovative and customised maritime training solutions.

VSTEP is proud to announce its growing presence in France as Le CFANI, an esteemed institution in Tremblay-sur-Mauldre, has chosen to integrate their state-of-the-art NAUTIS simulators into their training programs. This strategic move marks a significant step in extending VSTEP’s influence in the French maritime education sector. Revolutionising Training with Simulation Technology Le CFANI has invested in two CESNI Vessel Handling simulators and an instructor/debriefing station, reinforcing their commitment to high-quality maritime training. With their simulators already established in other parts of France, Le CFANI is set to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their training programs dramatically. The decision to integrate the NAUTIS simulators was driven by Le CFANI’s commitment to enhancing logistics and streamlining their training process. Their training vessel was located 30 km away on the Seine, requiring complex arrangements, such as hiring buses and transporting students for practical sessions. This process was not only time-consuming but also resource-intensive. Enhancing Training Efficiency By investing in VSTEP's simulators, Le CFANI can now conduct seamless training sessions on campus By investing in VSTEP's simulators, Le CFANI can now conduct seamless training sessions on campus, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of their programs. The ease of use provided by the NAUTIS simulators ensures that students can practice essential vessel handling skills in a controlled, realistic environment without logistical hurdles. This innovation is truly made for learning, as it empowers educators to focus on delivering high-quality instruction. “Making a customer’s life easier is so rewarding. We are thrilled to support Le CFANI in their mission to provide top-notch maritime training.” said Luuk ten Bergen, Business Developer at VSTEP. Le CFANI A Fun Fact: Le CFANI was one of the institutes providing Training for the Olympics opening ceremony Interestingly, Le CFANI has been training pilots for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games. Their simulators are playing a crucial role in preparing these pilots for one of the world’s most prestigious events.

VSTEP is pleased to announce the early access release of NAUTIS Instructor Station 2.0! This updated version promises a significantly improved user experience, reduced work time, enhanced ease of use and many other crucial advancements. Less clicks, more teaching! Over the past year, VSTEP has diligently collected and analysed feedback from customers both internally and externally. Through extensive testing, numerous discussions and learning from NAUTIS Home, they have identified key areas for improvement in the instructor station to enable more effective learning through simulation. Better user experience While some features are ready for users to use and test, the team is still working on additional elements While some features are ready for users to use and test, the team is still working on additional elements and improvements to work towards a complete version of Instructor Station, aiming to provide an even better user experience.  "The new NAUTIS Instructor Station is a significant step forward in user experience. We focused on streamlining workflows, enhancing responsiveness and providing greater flexibility to meet the unique needs of instructors. Our goal is to make the platform as intuitive and efficient as possible, based on extensive user feedback," said Ernst Mutgeert, UX Designer at VSTEP. Offering greater flexibility Below are some of the highlights of the features they are excited to share with the users: Logic Editor - The Logic Editor enables instructors to save time by automating events in scenarios, significantly reducing their workload. Ease of Use - Have streamlined the user interface to make instructors’ tasks more efficient, reducing the number of clicks required to complete a task. Responsiveness - The new system is more responsive, resulting in an interface that is always ready for user input. Customisation - The new version offers greater flexibility in workspace organisation, allowing multiple windows for various functions and different panels of multiple ships. Assessment - Instructors can now use a scorecard to evaluate trainees’ performance.