Embargoed until 2 JULY 2002, 1200hrs

The official Opening Ceremony for the Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) of Singapore was held today at the Singapore Polytechnic. The Guest-of-Honour for the event was the Minister for Transport, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong.

Developed in close co-operation with the Singapore Polytechnic, the ISC is one of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA's) latest initiatives to meet the shipping industry's increasing demands for well-trained seafarers. Developed at a cost of S$12 million, the ISC employs some of the latest maritime simulation technologies available, to provide the port and shipping community with a one-stop facility to upgrade the knowledge and skills of their personnel in a risk-free environment. Its simulation systems, covering all the aspects of a ship's operations from ship-handling to crisis management, can be operated independently or inter-linked with one another, making the ISC possibly the most sophisticated maritime simulation centre in the world. Its 360de field-of-view and 240de field-of-view shiphandling simulators are certified as Class A bridges, which means that they fully meet the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1995 (STCW95). Its almost limitless potential to be upgraded with the latest ship designs, equipment and scenarios, makes the ISC also an ideal centre for continual learning.

Speaking at the Ceremony, the Minister for Transport, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, commented that such a facility will boost the quality and efficiency of maritime training in Singapore.

End of Release.