Designing Effective VASCO Scenarios:

Best Practices for COLREGs Training Without Overwhelming Learners

In the dynamic world of maritime operations, mastering the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is critical. Traditional classroom-based learning often falls short when it comes to applying these rules in real-world scenarios. This is where VASCO, Kilo Solutions' advanced VR bridge simulation tool, excels. With its scenario planner feature, instructors can create immersive, realistic environments that challenge learners while reinforcing key navigational principles.  

But how do you ensure these scenarios are effective without overwhelming trainees? The key is to design scenarios that not only focus on COLREGs application but also actively promote Bridge Resource Management (BRM) skills, including Thinking Aloud, PRO, PACE, and Closed-Loop Communication. These communication techniques ensure clarity, teamwork, and safe decision-making in high-pressure maritime environments. 

The Link Between Scenario Design and COLREGs Mastery 

Scenario-based learning bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing learners with the opportunity to apply COLREGs in complex, dynamic environments. However, if a scenario is overloaded with variables, it can lead to cognitive overload, reducing its effectiveness. 

To successfully complete VASCO scenarios, bridge teams must actively incorporate BRM best practices to share the mental model and make informed decisions. While scenarios are structured around specific learning objectives, such as testing knowledge of COLREGs rules, the effectiveness of team decision-making depends on applying the following BRM techniques:

• Thinking Aloud – Encouraging officers to verbalize their situational awareness and decisions as they execute manoeuvres. 

• PRO (Plan, Reason, Outcome) – A structured approach to articulating navigational intentions and the reasoning behind them. 

• PACE (Probe, Alert, Challenge, Emergency) – A graded assertiveness model that allows team members to question and escalate concerns when necessary. 

• Closed-Loop Communication – Ensuring that critical helm and navigational commands are acknowledged, repeated, and confirmed. 

By integrating these practices, teams can effectively navigate complex scenarios, reinforce COLREGs competency, and enhance BRM effectiveness—ensuring safer, more efficient maritime operations.

Understanding VASCO’s Scenario Planner Tool 

VASCO’s planner tool allows instructors to design bespoke training scenarios tailored to specific learning objectives. Key features include: 

• Coastline Selection: Choose from a selection of coastlines to simulate different navigational contexts. 

Port of Plymouth - One of the available locations in VASCO

• Customisable Traffic: Add vessels of varying sizes, from small crafts to large tankers, to create realistic maritime traffic conditions. 

• Environmental Controls: Adjust weather conditions, including fog, rain, and wind, and manipulate lighting to simulate day, dusk, or night operations. 

• Role-Based Learning: Assign specific roles—helm, navigator, co-navigator—o foster teamwork, communication, and BRM best practices. 

  
  

These features enable instructors to create diverse, realistic scenarios that reflect real-world maritime challenges while reinforcing safe and effective bridge communications. 

Best Practices for Scenario Design 

1. Start Simple, Then Layer Complexity 

Begin with straightforward scenarios focusing on basic COLREGs rules, such as head-on or crossing situations. Once learners demonstrate competence, gradually introduce additional complexities like multiple vessels or restricted visibility. 

2. Align Scenarios with Learning Objectives 

Each scenario should have a clear objective. For instance: 

• If the goal is to reinforce Rule 15 (Crossing Situations), design the scenario to highlight this rule without unnecessary distractions. 

• If the focus is on emergency responses, encourage the use of PACE communication to ensure that concerns about potential hazards are probed, alerted, and escalated appropriately. 

3. Use Environmental Conditions Strategically 

Environmental factors like fog, heavy rain, or night-time conditions should be used to enhance situational awareness. However, avoid introducing all these elements at once, as this can overwhelm learners. 

For example: 

• In scenarios with reduced visibility, Closed-Loop Communication should be emphasized to ensure that all helm orders are acknowledged and confirmed correctly. 

• When facing dynamic traffic situations, learners should use the PRO model to articulate their Plan, Reason, and Outcome before executing any course alterations. 

4. Encourage Role-Based Coordination 

Design scenarios that require effective communication and coordination between the helm, navigator, and co-navigator. This not only reinforces COLREGs application but also enhances BRM skills. 

For example: 

• A scenario involving a crossing vessel on a steady bearing should prompt the co-navigator to provide CPA and TCPA information aloud, while the navigator uses PRO to communicate the intended manoeuvre. 

• The helm should practice Closed-Loop Communication, repeating and confirming all steering orders to ensure precision and clarity. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid 

1.  Overloading with Complexity 

Avoid adding too many variables that can distract from the core learning objective. Instead, introduce challenges incrementally, ensuring that communication techniques such as Thinking Aloud and Closed-Loop Communication are practiced consistently. 

2. Neglecting Debrief Sessions 

Effective learning happens during reflection. Ensure thorough debriefing sessions where learners discuss: 

• Their decision-making processes. 

• How well BRM principles were applied. 

• Any communication breakdowns and how to improve. 

Encouraging learners to review their use of PACE and PRO techniques will enhance their ability to make safe, well-communicated decisions under pressure. 

3. Lack of Progression 

Repeating the same level of complexity without progression can lead to stagnation. Ensure scenarios evolve by introducing: 

• More challenging navigational situations. 

• Higher traffic density. 

• Increased reliance on BRM communication models. 

For example, after successfully managing a basic overtaking scenario, increase the difficulty by introducing restricted visibility, requiring learners to Think Aloud and use Closed-Loop Communication more effectively. 

The Kilo Approach: How VASCO Enhances Training Outcomes 

VASCO isn’t just a simulation tool; it’s a comprehensive training solution designed to improve maritime safety and competency. By integrating BRM communication techniques within its scenario design, VASCO ensures that learners are not just following COLREGs but actively engaging in effective teamwork and decision-making. 

With VASCO, instructors can create an optimal learning environment that: 

• Challenges learners without overwhelming them. 

• Reinforces COLREGs knowledge. 

• Develops critical BRM skills such as PACE, PRO, Thinking Aloud, and Closed-Loop Communication. 

Conclusion 

Effective scenario design in VASCO is about finding the right balance between challenge and manageability. By focusing on specific learning objectives, gradually increasing complexity, and embedding BRM best practices, maritime trainers can ensure their learners not only understand COLREGs but can apply them confidently in real-world situations. 

Ready-Made Solutions with VASCO Supported Sessions 

If creating custom scenarios feels like more than you need, consider joining our VASCO Supported Sessions. These sessions come with over 20 expertly designed scenarios tailored for comprehensive bridge operations training.

Each scenario is crafted to challenge learners effectively while ensuring compliance with industry standards.  

Let us handle the complexity so you can focus on what matters most—developing skilled, confident maritime professionals. 

FIND OUT MORE