INSIGHT

One of the scenarios we’ve built in VASCO starts with our vessel heading towards an anchorage behind a tanker. Another vessel is preparing to leave. As things develop, anchored ships restrict the visual references between Bridge Teams and several threats begin competing for attention at the same time. The COLREGs are obviously part of the exercise, but they are only part of what gets discussed afterwards. Who noticed what? Was it communicated? Did everyone on the bridge have

On 30 July 2026, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency provided the following positional statement on the use of VASCO within maritime education: Kilo Solutions Ltd. have developed a virtual reality bridge simulator, VASCO, which utilises wireless VR headsets to immerse learners in a realistic bridge environment. Through the platform's online 'dock' learners can access pre-loaded ColRegs or BRM-aligned scenarios to support their learning and application of knowledge in an immers

Superyachts need to be ready to sail with safe, competent and confident Bridge Watchkeepers. Protracted periods alongside inherently impact operational readiness and introduce non-assessed complacency creep. This is common after crew changes, seasonal downtime, or a long refit. The command team returns with the same qualifications and experience, but several weeks or months may have passed since the team navigated together. Bridge procedures and working practices are rus

Why Passage Planning belongs in the VASCO VR Bridge Environment The effectiveness of modern maritime training depends on a clear link between planning and execution. Students can learn the principles of passage planning in the classroom. They can prepare routes, assess chart information, consider depth, identify hazards and set safe margins. But applied learning begins when that plan is put under pressure. How is it followed when shipping situations occur? How does the stude

Portable maritime simulation is gaining attention because it speaks to a problem the industry already knows well: simulator access is valuable, but it is often limited by location, scheduling, cost and availability. At events and demonstrations, the reaction to VASCO is usually immediate. Put someone inside the bridge environment and the potential becomes clear. They can see how a bridge team might practise ColRegs, communication, situational awareness and decision-making in

Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) has selected VASCO in a Box (VIAB) to bring Virtual Reality (VR) bridge training aboard its new training vessel, State of Maine, extending simulator-based learning into an operational sea environment. Top-down view of the VASCO in a Box (VIAB) showcasing neatly organised components, including a configured laptop with VASCO Planner Tool, local server, portable router for dedicated LAN, power supplies, 4 Meta Quest 3 headsets, hand controllers, and