Rotterdam, 01 November 2021 – VSTEP conducted an interview with Texas A&M University, The Galveston Campus (TAMUG), to learn how exactly a Mobile Standalone NAUTIS Desktop Simulator adds value to their programs.
We are happy to expand the portfolio of our customers to The Americas. We do that step-by-step as we are gaining more visibility among US customers that see value in our maritime solutions. One of those customers is Texas A&M University at Galveston.
We interviewed Daryn Taylor, Program Aide at Texas A&M University at Galveston, about our collaboration (more about this in this article) to gain his perspective on how our cooperation is going in his opinion.
VSTEP: Good afternoon, Daryn. Thank you for taking the time. What is your current position at Texas A&M?
Daryn Taylor: Good afternoon. Sure, I’m a Program Aide – Ship Operations at Texas A&M Maritime Academy.
VSTEP: First thing we’d like to ask you is what was it like before you had NAUTIS Simulator?
Daryn Taylor: Yes, before NAUTIS we only had stationary, built in, simulators on campus. We did not have any portable solutions for training off campus. That’s why we began looking. We felt we needed to attend to different groups and meet them where they are.
VSTEP: Totally. That’s a forward-thinking approach. What problems were you trying to solve with NAUTIS Simulator? What are your top training goals?
Daryn Taylor: We wanted a way to interactively demonstrate the maritime industry to prospective cadets. Additionally, while cadets are training at sea on academy run training ships, we wanted a platform in which we could supplement bridge time with special made scenarios.
VSTEP: Evidently, you chose NAUTIS Simulators for this. We are curious, what made NAUTIS Simulator stand out from other options?
Daryn Taylor: Definitely the usability of the software. I mean, students don’t have to learn anything extra to be able to operate the simulators. Your simulators are extremely intuitive; students can just dive into their core training straight away.
What we appreciate as well is that everything is contained on one machine, which makes it extremely convenient to use. Also, the customer service working on a custom platform is fantastic. This all made NAUTIS the best option for us.
VSTEP: Right, you’ve already mentioned how NAUTIS benefits its students but is there anything else you’d like to add?
Daryn Taylor: The biggest benefit offered is the ability to operate the simulator and scenario editor on a mobile platform so that we can train in the field and recruit future cadets. Being able to bring the training where we need it will be a great asset to our academy.
VSTEP: I see. We are glad to hear that. What features do you enjoy most about NAUTIS?
Daryn Taylor: The scenario editor is very nice for setting up exercises and is intuitive to use. Additionally, the weather or sea simulation is extremely pleasant visually. Also, the control panel layout is designed well and gives a modern feel to the software.
VSTEP: What have you been able to achieve since using NAUTIS?
Daryn Taylor: Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we have not yet been able to deploy the simulator to the field. However, in internal demonstrations, the impression have been positive and many ideas for using the simulator have been floating around.
VSTEP: Alright, now moving to more general questions. How would you describe your organization’s relationship with VSTEP?
Daryn Taylor: VSTEP has been great with fixing bugs and getting things running on the fly. Even with the large time difference in the USA, communications with the support team have always been clear and timely.
VSTEP: What has exceeded your expectations since working with us?
Daryn Taylor: The hands-on training and behind the scenes trouble shooting I have experienced working with Rutger van Eijden have been outstanding. He always offers a solution and walks me through the fix. I think it’s only possible because the company is fairly small, so the customers can really get a personal treatment and experience a tailored to their needs approach.
VSTEP: Thank you, Daryn. As the final question, we’d like to get your take on the future of naval training.
Daryn Taylor: With the increasing emphasis on electronics in navigation, it is easy to see that simulators and digital training will continue to gain importance as it relates to bridge resource management. Unlike physical bridge time, which is extremely important as well, one can fabricate exercises in a simulator to focus on specific scenarios that could be encountered at sea. This offers more control and predictability of training in comparison to at sea watches which are useful but unpredictable in terms of traffic scenarios.
VSTEP: Do you have anything else to add?
Daryn Taylor: It has been a joy working with you all thus far and I look forward to what comes next. I appreciate your patience with us getting our sea term underway.
This interview was conducted online due to the pandemic and different geographical locations. We appreciate the time Daryn spent on this and are likewise looking forward to our further collaboration.
VSTEP’s Commitment
NAUTIS simulators are one of the most advanced maritime simulators available in the market and VSTEP team is always committed to developing the most efficient, innovative and user-friendly maritime simulators, which are not only compliant to industry standards but can also be adapted to comply with local rules and regulations.
About
VSTEP makes sure that you are prepared for real-life situations with our leading solutions for simulation and virtual training. Our state-of-the-art products allow you to train your skills for every scenario possible in a practical, cost effective and sustainable way. We are a Dutch based and ISO9001:2015 certified company. Stay up-to-date about the developments at VSTEP by subscribing to our newsletter or follow us on Linkedin.
