Sea Cadets in Birkenhead build an interactive ship simulato
An enterprising group of young people and volunteers in Wirral, Merseyside have made good use of their time during lockdown to convert a disused office space into an interactive ship simulator.
The 15 square metre space boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, bull’s-eye windows (portholes) and red glow navigation lights so that sea cadets can experience what it’s like to navigate at night.
Mike Larsen, Commanding Officer for the Birkenhead Unit said. “With many of our cadets taking part in an online navigation course during lockdown, we wanted to give them the opportunity to get a more ‘hands on’ experience of what it’s like to navigate different vessels around the globe.”
“The ship simulator gives them the opportunity to put their navigation skills to the test and keep learning enjoyable.”
Teamwork is the order of the day in the new navigation classroom, with cadets working together to read nautical charts and use technology to plan their route before setting sail on the ship simulator.
“I was really surprised at how realistic the simulator is” said Hannah, one of the sea cadets, “It will help us put the training into practice and keep navigation interesting.”
The unit’s Training Officer, Ricardo Ermocilla, said, “Projects like this will keep Sea Cadets moving towards the future by providing the best possible virtual experience.”
