From Cadets to Combat: How Maritime Innovators Are Using VASCO VR Bridge Simulator for Training and Readiness
- Antonia Lowther
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
The maritime industry is undergoing a transformation. From naval forces to maritime universities, bridge teams and cadets are embracing immersive maritime VR training to meet evolving operational demands. At the forefront of this evolution is VASCO by Kilo Solutions — the world’s first untethered VR bridge simulator. Portable, cloud-connected, and hyper-realistic, VASCO is changing the way we train, assess, and prepare crews through advanced ColRegs simulation, BRM training, and real-world scenario immersion.
Here are some of the innovative ways maritime leaders are using VASCO VR to drive competence, cohesion, and confidence at sea.
1. VR Bridge Simulator for Pre-Employment Assessment
Recruiting skilled watchkeeping officers is critical, and VASCO provides a safe, objective way to evaluate decision-making and situational awareness under pressure. As explored in Captain Parker’s case study, this immersive bridge simulator empowers organisations to assess operational readiness before candidates ever step onboard.
2. Maritime VR Training for Competence Maintenance
Bridge teams use VASCO to rehearse high-stakes scenarios and refresh essential skills through ColRegs simulation and BRM training. One such scenario, illustrated in Kilo’s collision case study below, follows the events leading to a preventable collision between M/V Mistral and M/V Ceres in a congested anchorage. Through immersive maritime simulation, seafarers develop instinctive risk awareness and proactive decision-making.
3. Evaluating Talent Ahead of Promotion with VASCO
VASCO is also used to support promotion boards by enabling real-time observation and evaluation of bridge team performance. Trainees are assessed in realistic VR environments, with observer modes allowing senior staff to evaluate individual readiness for increased responsibility.
4. Building Bridge Team Cohesion with VASCO In A Box
The Royal Navy recently adopted VASCO In A Box (VIAB) to deliver immersive training onboard independent of ship systems. This portable VR training solution supports up to five learners and enables collaborative BRM training and ColRegs simulation in deployed environments. It strengthens bridge team cohesion and builds operational confidence.
5. Mission Rehearsals with the US Navy: Project VIBRaNT
In a landmark project, Kilo is collaborating with the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research and NIWC Pacific to create VIBRaNT (Virtual Bridge and Navigational Trainer) — a custom version of VASCO tailored to US Navy operational requirements. This partnership showcases how VR bridge simulation enhances mission preparedness and real-time decision training in defense environments.
6. Immersive Maritime Training for Cadets at Odesa Maritime University
At Odesa Maritime University, cadets gain early exposure to real-world bridge operations using VASCO. This hands-on VR training environment accelerates the learning of navigational procedures, builds foundational competence, and helps cadets apply theory in a simulated but highly realistic context.
The Future of Immersive Maritime Training
Whether you're preparing cadets for their first voyage, running mission rehearsals, or assessing senior bridge watchkeepers for promotion, VASCO provides a powerful, scalable VR bridge simulator solution. It isn’t just transforming maritime education — it’s redefining how the industry builds capability, confidence, and safety at sea.
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