Lifeboats are essential life-saving equipment for all types of water-going vessels and offshore platforms. Lifeboat simulators have been created specifically for offshore personnel to practice in conditions that are normally too risky for live training. As simulation training is a relatively new alternative, there is a need to assess how training performed with a simulator compares with conventional training. This study was performed to evaluate how skills acquired with different training approaches transferred to an emergency scenario. Over a period of one year, participants received quarterly training in one of three ways: using live boats, computer-based training or a simulator. Following training, participants were evaluated on their ability to launch and manoeuvre a lifeboat in a plausible emergency. The study results suggest a benefit to performing training with realistic lifeboat controls and practicing using representative emergency scenarios. Insights are provided on how training can be modified to increase competence.

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Assuring the competence of personnel involved in operating offshore petroleum installations or ships is a challenge. Doing so for dangerous or difficult operations is problematic, as conventional training methods can be prohibited. Using simulation to provide training is a potential solution to this need, particularly for safety critical operations, such as emergency response. This paper describes how simulators are being used to provide training for lifeboat coxswains. An example is presented of the cueing systems, training scenarios, and instructor's role for an immersive lifeboat simulator. Consideration is given to how the virtual environment can be used to extend simulation-based training to larger scale, multi-person emergency response drills.

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