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

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

When the U.S. Navy adopts a training methodology, it is rarely driven by novelty. It is driven by operational necessity. Complex operating environments, constrained time, geographically dispersed crews, and the need for consistent standards, leave little room for training approaches that are difficult to scale or slow to deploy. Against that backdrop, the Navy’s growing use of portable, immersive technology was evidenced recently on USS Theodore Roosevelt. Training No Longe

As we continue to evolve the World’s first Multi-User untethered VR Bridge Simulator, VASCO, based on User feedback and technical advances, we are delighted to be able to formally release VASCO 3.5.1 with the following features. System optimisation continues to be an ongoing and unseen development focus too.We hope you like this latest release and benefit from the immersive nature of VASCO. Feature Table Impact Area Feature Description Planner Function VOIP control to di

A major step forward in advancing maritime competence has been achieved. The Nautical Institute has officially recognised Kilo Solutions’ VASCO Bridge Resource Management (BRM) Refresher Programme for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) — marking a significant milestone in the evolution of professional maritime training. Redefining BRM Refresher Training The VASCO BRM Refresher Programme combines operational credibility with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technolog

An Analysis of Virtual Reality vs. Traditional Fixed Simulations in Maritime Training. In recent years, the maritime industry has witnessed a developing opportunity through major advances in simulation technologies designed to enhance training for ship personnel. Among these innovations, portable virtual reality (VR) ship bridge simulators have emerged as a cost-effective solution, promising high levels of immersion and engagement. However, the question remains: Ho

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCGA) has recently taken an important step — formally recognising simulator time as part of the pathway to certification. Under the latest guidance, up to 10 days of simulator training can now count toward sea time when working towards a Certificate of Competency, with five days in a simulator equating to fifteen days at sea. It’s a small administrative change that carries a big message: modern simulation has become a fundamental part of m

In recent years, the maritime industry has witnessed a significant transformation in training methods. Bridge Resource Management (BRM) refresher training was traditionally reliant on fixed simulators, BRM refresher programs are now embracing portable virtual reality (VR) bridge simulators, bringing a wave of innovation to how maritime personnel hone their skills. Uniquely, portable VR simulation delivers the opportunity for a more frequent, cost effective, and sustainable t

Discover how Kilo Solutions is evolving VASCO, the untethered VR bridge simulator, to deliver realistic, scalable training for single watchkeepers in the high-performance workboat sector.

In a world of high-stakes maritime navigation, knowing who’s truly competent on the bridge can’t be left to chance. That’s where VASCO comes in — not just as a state-of-the-art VR training environment, but as a continuous performance monitoring system. At Kilo, we believe that training is only half the story. The real value lies in what happens after the headset comes off — when performance is evaluated, trends are tracked, and strategic decisions targeted interventions are

A Fully Immersive, Integrated Training Journey for Modern Maritime Teams VASCO isn’t just the world’s first untethered VR Bridge...

We’re thrilled to announce that VASCO, our innovative VR bridge simulation solution, has been awarded Silver in the Best Use of Simulations or Virtual Environments for Learning category at the prestigious Learning Technologies Awards! This recognition underscores our commitment to creating cutting-edge, immersive training solutions that deliver impactful learning experiences within the maritime sector. The competition was incredibly strong, with the Gold award going to Revolu

Kilo are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a contract by the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research Global TechSolutions (ONR).