The solution to a number of global problems nowadays depends on the nature of human interaction with the world’s oceans. The constant growth in shipping operations requires ensuring the environmental safety of the planet and belongs to strategic targets of the environmental policy of IMO Convention (International Maritime Organization) in the context of sustainable development of the maritime industry. The aim of the study is the necessity to form ecological consciousness of future seafarers by means of educational VR technologies. The issue of the effective use of cloud computing and VR technologies is considered throughout the research. The definitions of simulation and distance educational technologies, their role in the formation of environmental competence of seafarers are revealed on the example of applying the “Safe Tank Cleaning Operation” course with the use of projected virtual reality simulator. According to the experiment’s results the quality of environmental competence formation in experimental group is 88% and in control group - 82%. The research reflects modern approaches and describes a methodology for acquiring practical skills by means of VR simulation technologies. The authors have shown the effectiveness of practical skills mastering by using VR simulators in the process of forming the environmental competence of seafarers.