NST, January 21th, 2002 - STAR Cruises has introduced a simulator exercise for new pilots at the Westport and Northport.

Although the simulator exercise is not mandatory for future pilots, both West Port and North Port have endorsed the use of simulators to train their new pilots.

Captain David R. Padman, assistant general manager of Port Klang Authority; which issues pilotage licences after a three-year course, said Pilots are encouraged to undergo the simulator exercise. "We reduce training duration by six months for those who have undergone the exercise," he said, adding that in the long run the exercise may be made mandatory.

Currently, aircraft, pilots are required to undergo simulator exercises but it has not been made compulsory for ship pilots

The ship pilot simulator exercise is conducted for two days after which the trainee pilots are sent out for practical training for a maximum of six months. They then return for another three-day course,after which they receive a Pilot Training Certificate in Ship Handling.

Simulator manager Captain Hans Hederstrom said the course could be conducted once a month depending on demand. He said this was the cheapest and most effective way to train a pilot because an error in a real situation would be too costly.

Pilots from other organizations can also apply to attend a four-day course in piloting a ship.