VASCO V3.5.1 Update
- Andy Parkin
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
As we continue to evolve the World’s first Multi-User untethered VR Bridge Simulator, VASCO, based on User feedback and technical advances, we are delighted to be able to formally release VASCO 3.5.1 with the following features.
System optimisation continues to be an ongoing and unseen development focus too.We hope you like this latest release and benefit from the immersive nature of VASCO.
Feature Table
Impact Area | Feature Description |
Planner Function | VOIP control to disable user microphones when operating in close proximity |
Planner Function | Full night mode controlled by time setting (2200–0200) |
Planner Function | Dawn/Dusk mode controlled by time setting (1800–0600) |
Planner Function | Daytime mode controlled by time setting (0600–1759) |
Planner Function | Multi-screen viewpoint within the Planner (ECDIS / Conning / Radar / Bridge) |
Planner Function | Screen grab capability aligned with scenario timeline to support debriefing |
Planner Function | Improved UX options in Planner mode to prevent unintended actions |
Planner Function | Static vessel setting |
Planner Function | New asset - Windfarms |
Planner Function | New asset - SAR library |
Planner Function | Measuring tool for accurate asset positioning |
Planner Function | Enhanced waypoint with numbering, bearing, and range |
Planner Function | Destination option for AIS included in Planner |
Planner Function | Asset labelling feature available in Planner |
Planner Function | New asset – Pilot Launch |
Planner Function | New asset – Dredger |
Planner Function | Cargo vessel host environment (single shaft propulsion) |
Planner Function | Fast-forward capability to advance scenario run timings (x1 / x2 / x3) |
User Experience | Binoculars with integrated relative bearing indicator and night mode |
User Experience | Improved ship handling including enhanced rate of turn and speed controls |
User Experience | Vessel collision detection – static objects impact vessel movement |
User Experience | Vessel collision detection – non-player vessels automatically stop the scenario |
User Experience | Collision detection aligned to chart depth, including grounding |
User Experience | New rendering techniques using Vulkan Graphic API |
User Experience | Basic interactive autopilot function to support single watchkeeper |
User Experience | VHF facility for bridge-to-bridge communications |
User Experience | Bespoke ship conning console display |
User Experience | Binocular holding feature visible to other users |
User Experience | Sectored lights capability in Port of Plymouth |
User Experience | Ability to personalize name / role for others to observe |
User Experience | Enhanced target acquisition on radar console |
User Experience | Bow Crossing Range (BCR) and Bow Crossing Time (BCT) |
User Experience | Improved graphical imagery within ECDIS console |
User Experience | Man Overboard (MOB) release function at ECDIS |
User Experience | Tablet visible when in use via Planner |
User Experience | New lighting effects on oil rig assets |
User Experience | Night-time enhancement to binocular vision |
Planning, Control & Debriefing
Outcome: Better-prepared scenarios, clearer intent, more effective delivery
VASCO 3.5.1 strengthens instructor control by improving how scenarios are planned before delivery, ensuring sessions run with improved accuracy and relevance.
Enhanced planner tools — including waypoint numbering with bearing and range, accurate measuring tools, AIS destination setting, and asset labelling — allow instructors to design scenarios with precision and operational relevance. Static vessel options and improved planner UX reduce the risk of unintended changes during setup.
The new fast-forward capability (x1 / x2 / x3) allows instructors to advance scenarios during the planning phase, enabling them to position vessels, traffic, and environmental conditions exactly where they need to be before a session starts and check intended outcomes.
Screen capture aligned to the scenario timeline supports structured debriefing, allowing instructors to anchor feedback to specific decisions and moments.
Operational impact:
Better-prepared scenarios with clearer learning objectives
Extended options for instructional set-up
Consistent scenario delivery across multiple teams
Visibility, Situational Awareness & Perception
Outcome: Earlier recognition of risk, stronger shared mental models
Time-controlled lighting modes (day, dusk/dawn, night) and enhanced night-time binocular vision allow bridge teams to experience how visibility genuinely affects perception and decision-making.
Binoculars now include True bearing indication and are visible to other users, reinforcing shared situational awareness across the bridge team. Sectored lights, improved ECDIS graphical clarity, and enhanced radar target acquisition further support accurate interpretation of the environment.
The introduction of the cargo vessel bridge aft position allows Commercial teams to see the full superstructure during maneuvering and planning — a subtle but critical factor in close-quarters decision-making.
Operational impact:
Improved detection and interpretation of developing situations
Stronger bridge team coordination
VASCO enables the acceleration of Team cohesion aligned to SMS
Ship Handling, Physics & Consequence
Outcome: Decisions feel real — because outcomes are
Ship handling characteristics in VASCO 3.5.1 are aligned with unclassified sea trial data and Chief Officer observations, including improved rate of turn and speed control. This ensures that helm, propulsion, and thruster inputs behave as bridge teams expect.
Collision detection is now consequence-driven:
Static objects affect vessel movement
Non-player vessels trigger automatic scenario stoppage
Grounding occurs when chart depth limits are breached
This reinforces that poor decisions carry operational consequences - safely experienced, but unmistakably felt.
Operational impact:
More credible handling behaviour
Stronger risk awareness under pressure
Improved instinctive decision-making
Bridge Team Operations & Communication
Outcome: More realistic team behaviour, better role discipline
VASCO 3.5.1 supports up to 11 operating positions across the bridge and bridge wings, with additional observer positions. Personalised name and role visibility helps reinforce role clarity and accountability.
VHF bridge-to-bridge communications and VOIP microphone control allow instructors to manage noise, proximity, and communication discipline realistically. A basic interactive autopilot supports single watchkeeping procedures without compromising scenario intent.
Operational impact:
Better closed-loop communication
Clearer role execution
Scenarios that reflect real bridge team dynamics
Scenario Variety & Environmental Complexity
Outcome: Training that reflects today’s operating environment
New assets including pilot launches, dredgers, SAR units, FPSOs, windfarms, and oil rigs with enhanced lighting, allow scenarios to reflect modern operational contexts.
The new cargo vessel host platform (single shaft, bow thruster) expands applicability for commercial shipping operations, while new ports (including Plymouth) support geographically relevant training and planning.
Operational impact:
Greater relevance to real-world operations
Broader scenario coverage without bespoke development
Stronger transfer of learning to the vessel
In Summary
VASCO 3.5.1 is a commitment to continuous improvement. It is about tightening the link between decision, consequence, and learning — which is where meaningful competence development happens
