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Accessible Onboard Immersive Learning to Strengthen Maritime Safety Training

New 3D simulation capability brings practical, scenario-led training directly to the vessel,
helping crews build critical decision-making skills before incidents occur.

Closing the Gap Between Theory & Practice

Maritime safety training is evolving. At Mintra, we've launched a new onboard immersive learning capability designed to make realistic, hands-on safety training more accessible, affordable and effective.

Built by seafarers for seafarers, this capability uses advanced 3D simulation technology powered by the high-quality gaming Unreal Engine. It moves beyond traditional eLearning to place learners inside operational scenarios that reflect real decisions, pressures, and consequences at sea.

Accessible Anywhere, No Specialist Equipment Required

The simulations can be accessed via a vessel's existing onboard PC or a personal device by downloading the app from the Microsoft Store. There is no need to attend specialist simulator centres or operate VR headsets.

This approach removes common barriers to practical training. Crews can access consistent, scenario-based learning wherever they operate, while ship operators gain a reliable way to build competence across vessels, fleets, and ranks.

These simulations close the gap between theory and practice by allowing crews to experience operational decision-making in a safe digital environment - before those decisions have real-life consequences. "
Jessica Suessmilch, Digital Learning Development Manager

Incident Investigation & Enclosed Space Entry

The first two courses developed through this capability are:

Incident Investigation (MGM-013-VR) – places seafarers into a scenario based on a real maritime incident, assessing risk, interpreting developing situations, communicating with others, and making operational decisions as the scenario unfolds. This impactful training reflects how human behaviour and judgement can influence outcomes during an incident, with a focus on decision-making under realistic operational conditions. Play Preview Video

Enclosed Space Entry & Rescue (MGM-205-VR) – focuses on one of the highest-risk operations in the maritime industry, where fatalities continue to occur despite established procedures and training. Participants work through realistic, authentic workflows and high‑pressure situations where safe execution depends on adherence to procedure and situational awareness under operational pressure. The course reflects the demands of enclosed space operations, replicating the delayed and cumulative consequences often seen in real incidents at sea. Play Preview Video

Enclosed space incidents remain one of the sector’s most persistent safety challenges, despite increased regulation, awareness and procedural controls. InterManager has reported continued concern about enclosed-space casualties, including a rise from 18 in 2022 to 34 in 2023, with early 2024 figures showing little improvement. Between 2000 and 2024, at least 1,010 ship and shore workers lost their lives in enclosed space accidents, many involving multiple fatalities and senior officers.

Designed With Seafarers in Mind

Jessica Suessmilch, Digital Learning Development Manager at Mintra, former seafarer and project lead, explains the approach:

"Seafarers work long hours, seven days a week, often completing training on top of demanding operational schedules. Too often, learning can feel repetitive or disconnected from the realities of the job. As an ex-seafarer, I wanted us to create something engaging, relevant, and respectful of crews' time and expertise. These simulations close the gap between theory and practice by allowing crews to experience operational decision-making in a safe digital environment - before those decisions have real-life consequences."

Why Immersive Learning Matters for Safety-Critical Training

Ole-Christian Olsen Apeland, Innovation Director Learning at Mintra, adds:

"Immersive learning is particularly valuable in safety-critical industries because it allows people to go deeper into a subject, rather than simply consume information. Simulation strengthens retention because learners are placed in the situation and asked to make decisions. For maritime training, that matters. Competence is not only about completing a course but being able to demonstrate skills and judgement in scenarios that reflect the real operating environment."

The realism of the scenarios immediately changed how crews engaged with the pilot training. Many asked for more learning to be delivered this way. "
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM)

Early Results: Strong Engagement & Improved Retention

Pilot activity has shown clear evidence of improved engagement, safety awareness, and knowledge retention:

95% said the simulation was useful, realistic, and valuable for onboard learning
90% said it improved understanding, reinforced correct procedures, and strengthened knowledge retention
95% reported that the learning-by-doing approach improved awareness of operational risks and consequences

Seafarers participating in the Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) pilot programme noted that the situations "felt real and made us think before making choices." They reported improved understanding of the correct sequence of actions during a rescue, including the importance of assessing the situation, using the correct PPE, and following safety protocols before entering a confined space.

A spokesperson for BSM commented:

"The realism of the scenarios immediately changed how crews engaged with the pilot training. Many asked for more learning to be delivered this way. They were able to think through operational decisions and understand why certain actions mattered."

Supporting Continuous Improvement Across the Fleet

Following each simulation, learners receive a performance report to support self-reflection and continuous improvement. Fleet managers can access data to identify trends, knowledge gaps and potential signs of complacency across vessels, fleets, and ranks.

This gives organisations a more targeted way to intervene, reduce unnecessary repeat training, and move from compliance-led learning towards competency-led safety improvement.

Because the simulations are standardised globally, operators can deliver consistent practical training regardless of vessel location, trading route, or crew rotation.

A More Accessible Model for Onboard Safety Training

Mintra's immersive learning capability offers a more accessible model for onboard safety training: practical, measurable, grounded in real operational experience and designed for the demands of life at sea.

Key features: