The Power of VASCO

Andy Parkin
Jul 11
2 min read

A Fully Immersive, Integrated Training Journey for Modern Maritime Teams

VASCO isn’t just the world’s first untethered VR Bridge Simulator—it’s a fully integrated maritime training solution that blends expert human coaching with cutting-edge immersive technology. Designed to elevate competence, confidence, and manage operational risk, VASCO is revolutionising how the maritime industry achieves skill excellence within Bridge Operations.

The VASCO Training Journey

VASCO 4 stage training journey — The VASCO Training journey

1. Briefing & Context Setting (MS Teams)

Every session begins with a professional pre-scenario briefing led by a Master Mariner Instructor. Delivered via MS Teams for accessibility, this briefing sets the tone and purpose:

Roles and responsibilities within the Bridge team are confirmed
The scenario is introduced in context with expected BRM standards
Seafarers ask questions and clarify expectations

This stage ensures every learner enters the simulation with clarity, purpose and shared intent.

2. Immersive Simulation (In VASCO via VR Headset)

Seafarers then transition into VASCO using untethered Meta Quest headsets over Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots. Once inside:

Participants enter a fully interactive navigational bridge
Systems mirror real-life bridge operations (Radar, ECDIS, Conning, ARPA)
Teams navigate real-world shipping scenarios together
A Master Mariner Instructor provides real-time coaching

This is experiential learning in its truest form, providing real-time feedback in a controlled yet realistic setting.

VASCO VR bridge training - bridge view — VASCO VR Bridge Training

3. Reflective Debrief & Team Analysis

Upon scenario completion, participants conduct a hot debrief in VR (“what went well, what could improve”), followed by a facilitated debrief:

- Delivered via MS Teams, with playback visuals (Bridge View, Radar, Conning)
- Team performance is analysed collaboratively
- Key decisions and actions are explored

It’s more than discussion—it’s insight-driven learning with powerful visual reinforcement.

4. Competency-Based Evaluation

Finally, each participant is assessed against seven role-specific competencies covering Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours. This data is stored within a central performance database and used to:

Identify high performers and future leaders
Highlight performance gaps and recommended remedial interventions
Inform risk mitigation and training strategy

This transforms training from reactive to proactive performance management.