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MCA outlines its position on VASCO in maritime education

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 immersive and interactive environment. Instructors can also design custom scenarios using a series of settings or contextual factors, such as different ship types, port environments, navigational hazards and passage planning restrictions.


For each scenario, learners can assume different roles to gain experience with various pieces of bridge equipment and role requirements, whilst working collaboratively with others throughout each scenario, where complexity can be adjusted to meet specific training objectives.


Within the context of maritime education, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) designs and approves the curriculum and associated assessment frameworks for the issue of statutory certificates of competency, ensuring alignment with STCW requirements and relevant UK regulations. While these standards, learning outcomes and assessment criteria are centrally defined and assured, the MCA delegates the delivery of training and assessment to approved training providers, including colleges and universities. Within this framework, simulator-based training forms a core component of many programmes, with defined allowances whereby a limited proportion of required sea service may be substituted by approved simulator training, in accordance with the STCW Code (Section A-I/12) and supporting UK guidance such as MGN 69 (M+F) and associated MCA regulations. As delivery is devolved, approved providers are authorised to determine how simulator time is integrated within their courses and how it contributes towards minimum sea service requirements, provided this remains within the boundaries and limits specified by the MCA.


Given this context, the MCA recognises the value of simulator-based training in maritime education, particularly where it enables learners to develop practical skills within a realistic but controlled and low-risk environment. We also recognise the challenges that training providers may encounter when delivering simulator-based learning to large cohorts of students, including constraints associated with simulator/instructor availability and the need to deliver a wide range of operational scenarios across multiple Certificates of Competency and levels of training.


The MCA implemented the modernised training syllabus in September 2025, enabling colleges to make extensive use of simulators and modern technology in training delivery. It is therefore the MCA's view that virtual reality technologies, such as Kilo Solutions' VASCO system, may offer an additional means by which training providers can supplement established simulator-based learning and address some of the aforementioned practical challenges. However, the MCA does not endorse, approve or certify specific commercial technologies, products or digital systems for use within maritime education. Decisions regarding the adoption and use of such systems remain the responsibility of individual approved training providers. On the basis of the information provided, the MCA would not object to the use of the VASCO system as a supplementary training aid alongside conventional bridge simulator facilities, provided that its use remains consistent with the requirements of the relevant curriculum, regulatory framework and approved training programme.


Dr. Kassie Cigliana

Maritime Digitalisation Technology Lead

UK Maritime Innovation Hub



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