The ship simulator at Saba Comprehensive School.
Search and rescue vessel “Erika” in its current state.
~ Simulator to train students ~
SABA--Saba Comprehensive School (SCS) has been offering students the possibility to enrol in the Maritime Course Seaman Operations since August 2020, as part of their educational programme. In this course, students learn how to navigate and operate a vessel, use maritime communication methods and perform first aid. SCS is finalising the installation of its ship simulator in the upcoming week, and training for teachers is scheduled.
The ship simulator is an advanced training device used to expose students to typical shipboard conditions and systems. “It is the first and only simulator of its kind in the Caribbean,” SCS principal Anton Hermans stated.
In an effort to make the training also more hands-on, SCS approached Saba’s Sea Rescue Foundation (SRF) to see whether it would be willing to donate the search and rescue vessel Erika to the school for it to be restored and used for educational purposes.
The Erika, a German rescue boat, arrived in Saba in 2010 and was donated to the SRF. Despite several fundraisers and through some bad luck, the vessel was stranded.
“We are very delighted that the Sea Rescue Foundation decided to donate this vessel to SCS, as it will enhance the students’ learning enormously,” Hermans said.
The simulator is also useful for additional training and review for current vessel operators and crew members. Persons who are interested in a training course can contact the SCS administration at tel. 416-3270.
The intention is to relocate Erika from Fort Bay harbour to SCS in St. John’s for the Maritime and Technical Department to perform checks to evaluate what needs to be done to restore the vessel to its former glory. SCS welcomes all persons who are interested in working along with the students to get the vessel back where it belongs: in the Caribbean Sea.
