Evolving VASCO for the Single Watchkeeper Workboat Sector

Workboat crews operate in fast-moving, high-pressure environments that demand precise decision-making and deep procedural knowledge — often with minimal personnel on board. Training for these roles has historically relied on a mix of on-the-job instruction and fixed-location simulators, both of which bring significant limitations in cost, access, and safety.

As workboats become more complex — with newer propulsion systems, faster manoeuvrability, and tighter operational margins — there is a growing need for training tools that are flexible, immersive, and scalable. This is where immersive VR simulation comes into its own.

We're adapting VASCO — our proven VR bridge simulator platform — to meet the specific needs of the workboat sector. The result is a highly portable, dynamic training environment that reflects the operational realities of small, high-performance vessels and gives crews the freedom to train safely, wherever they are.

What Are We Building?

VASCO is a portable, wireless VR bridge simulator that enables maritime crews to train together in realistic, scenario-based environments. Delivered via untethered VR headsets and a PC-based planner tool, it supports multiuser training in core areas such as COLREGs, passage planning, bridge communications, and situational awareness. It is already in operational use with the Royal Navy and has been adapted for the US Navy under the VIBRaNT programme. Learn more about How Maritime Innovators are using VASCO VR bridge simulator.

We’re now adapting VASCO for use in the workboat sector — specifically to represent smaller, faster and more manoeuvrable vessels, including those using vectored thrust systems such as jets and azipods. These craft are typically operated by single watchkeepers, requiring a focused training experience that reflects the pace and autonomy of real-world operations.

The result is a portable, multiuser world of vessels that anyone can train inside of. Interactions with bridge controls are mechanically simple, using real-world movements, allowing users to jump in and start learning without complex setup or steep learning curves. While the underlying simulator remains consistent in its purpose, this version of VASCO brings a new level of relevance and accessibility to bridge training for workboat crews.

Why Is It Needed?

Traditional training for workboat crews often relies on real-world instruction, which can be costly, time-consuming, and risky for less experienced personnel. Fixed-location simulators are effective but expensive and limited in reach, especially for crews based away from major centres.

Immersive VR simulation offers a safer, more cost-effective, and scalable alternative. With VASCO, training can happen anytime, anywhere — without the risks or logistical burden of live operations.

Realism

VASCO delivers detailed 3D environments that mirror live operations. Trainees interact with bridge systems, receive instant feedback, and gain hands-on experience — without operational risk.

Accessibility

The portable setup allows training in remote locations or on vessels in port. Scenarios can be tailored for all levels, from new recruits to experienced masters.

Scalability

Scenarios can be reused across unlimited users without the need for added infrastructure. This ensures consistent training quality across fleets, helps close skills gaps, and supports performance standardisation at scale.

VASCO Virtual Reality Simulator vs a Fixed Simulator

How Will It Be Used?

VASCO will support training, refresher sessions, and assessment for workboat captains and crew. Its initial focus is on COLREGs and passage plan execution, with potential to expand into boat handling over time.

Scenarios are built using a PC-based planner tool and aligned to specific training objectives. Once tested and saved, they can be reused across sessions, with guidance notes ensuring consistent delivery by any instructor.

Instructors run sessions dynamically — adapting scenarios in real time, pausing for mentoring, or reviewing decisions as they occur. Key competencies assessed include:

• Application of COLREGs

• Execution of the passage plan

• Communication and decision-making

• Situational awareness and task prioritisation

• Emergency response (e.g. man overboard, loss of propulsion)

This approach is particularly valuable for single watchkeepers, who operate without supervision for much of their time. It supports confident, independent decision-making in realistic scenarios.

Screenshots are captured for debriefs, and trainees are evaluated against defined criteria. This enables objective reporting, targeted development, and better succession planning.

While the focus is on workboats, VASCO could be adapted for other vessel types — including pilot boats, wind farm vessels, lifeboats, inland ferries, and military patrol craft.

What Will the Experience Be Like?

The experience in VASCO is immersive, tactile, and intuitive. The vessel being simulated is small, fast, and highly responsive, with tight handling and rapid acceleration. In this high-speed environment, everything in the cockpit is within reach, giving trainees a heightened sense of control and immersion.

This evolution of VASCO offers a completely different feel compared to simulations of larger ships. It places users directly into the decision-making seat of a single watchkeeper craft — where quick reactions and high situational awareness are critical.

The trainer experience is equally refined. New vessel types slot directly into VASCO’s existing scenario library, allowing new simulations to be built rapidly using familiar tools. These new scenarios — specific to high-manoeuvrability workboats — can be developed and deployed with ease, extending the training library while keeping the system user-friendly and scalable.

Who Will Benefit?

Everyone

Improved safety in maritime transportation, with greater protection of life, property, and the marine environment.

Seafarers

Regular, practical experience and increased confidence in a risk-free setting. Supports skill retention and helps improve or maintain professional and operational excellence.

Ship Management

Access to regular, cost-effective simulation training, resulting in more competent crew members and safer vessels. Enables identification of operational risk, individual training needs, and talent for succession planning.

VR training also contributes positively to sustainability policy goals.

Maritime Educational Establishments

An additional tool to expand access to realistic bridge simulation for a wider group of students. Frees up expensive fixed simulators for more complex or bespoke training and research. Offers potential to increase revenue and profitability.

Regulatory Bodies

Potential future benefit through the availability of standardised training processes that could support streamlined assessments and certification.

Operational/Senior Decision Makers: Commercial Leads

This approach offers clear operational and strategic advantages. It enables organisations to:

1. Increase awareness of operational risk

2. Deliver targeted interventions cost effectively

3. Significantly reduce time and effort and labour hours previously associated with training

4. Set a new and positive standard across the industry

Technical Highlights and Challenges

Adapting VASCO to reflect the dynamics of small workboats with vectored thrust systems required significant technical development. The team has introduced modified physics to allow for full thrust vectoring and fine control of jet and azipod propulsion.

These systems create fast, responsive behaviour in a VR environment — which introduces challenges around comfort and performance. To address this, we’ve introduced variable realism settings to accommodate users who might experience motion sensitivity.

Despite the increase in physics complexity, VASCO maintains high application performance and a smooth user experience — even on mobile VR hardware. This technical foundation ensures that trainees get a lifelike and stable training experience, no matter where they are.Shape

What's Next?

As organisations face growing pressure to do more with less — and as operational demands continue to rise — immersive technologies like VASCO provide a flexible, scalable way to support workforce development.

By enabling coaching and evaluation at the point of need — including at the waterfront — VASCO removes the logistical barriers of traditional training. Travel is reduced, time is used more efficiently, and training can take place wherever crews are located.

The system also helps identify operational risk early, allowing timely, cost-effective interventions that support both safety and performance. Over time, this approach enables organisations to develop new talent organically, in alignment with their safety management systems and operational standards.

Closing Thoughts

As global leaders in the development of untethered VR simulators for the maritime industry, we’re grateful to our growing client base — organisations whose operational and commercial needs are no longer met by traditional training approaches.

Working in close collaboration with subject matter experts, and drawing on our own seafaring experience, our team designs VR environments that are both technically advanced and immediately relevant to the training needs of the workboat sector.

These immersive solutions are reshaping maritime training. With data-driven outcomes supporting measurable performance gains, organisations are increasingly aligning operational improvements with clear returns on investment.

VASCO is more than a technological step forward — it's a strategic investment in crew competency and operational safety. Early adopters are already reporting improvements in decision-making, COLREGs compliance, and overall confidence on the bridge.

Take the Next Step

• Schedule a demonstration to see VASCO in action with scenarios tailored to your fleet

• Start a 3-month pilot to evaluate training effectiveness and ROI

Don’t let training limitations hold back operational excellence.

Contact us today to explore how VASCO can be adapted to your vessels, routes, and crew development priorities.