Kongsberg Maritime has partnered with classification society DNV GL to issue Product Certificates for Maritime Simulator Systems.
This partnership has manifested in response to challenges faced by training providers to meet flag state requirements under STCW regulation I/12 and the significant costs encountered for class society approval of simulator installations.
STCW Regulation I/12 states that simulators used for mandatory simulator-based training and / or used as means to demonstrate competence (assessment), shall be approved by the relevant maritime administration. In addition to a statement of compliance issued to a simulator manufacturer, a Product Certificate issued to the simulator training provider is required for compliance.
According to Kongsberg, time constraints and logistical challenges mean that product certificates cannot always be produced and the costs of class society approval can be significant.
Therefore, this partnership aims to make the process of obtaining a Product Certificate more efficient and less costly. It enables the Norwegian simulator vendor to support training providers with mandatory requirements and it will enable DNV GL to reduce the overall cost of its certification services for training centres.
Under the partnership Kongsberg will provide certification support for DNV GL, who will continue to issue Product Certificates based on a valid statement of compliance to manufacturer and document evaluation (hardware and software) of the installed simulator and a site acceptance test by the manufacturer based on approved test programs. They will also be responsible for developing and submitting these documents described to DNV GL, as well as the accurateness and completeness of such documents.
DNV GL will be responsible for evaluating the documents and deciding whether the marine simulator complies with the standards for issuing the Product Certificate. Annual tests to retain the certificate and tests for renewal and upgrades of the certificate at the end of the validity period will be handled directly between the training provider and DNV GL, who will also advise on maintaining certification during and following the initial period.
Image: Courtesy of Kongsberg Maritime
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