The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has commissioned a new Tactical Boat Handling and Firing Simulator (TBHFS) in its Police Coast Guard’s (PCG) Integrated Tactical Training Centre located in the PCG Headquarters. The TBHFS is developed collaboratively with HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency).
The simulator is the first of its kind in Singapore in enabling highly realistic vessel simulation at speeds exceeding 50 knots which is integrated with an advanced eye-tracking system in addition to weapon capabilities. The simulator uses an advanced physics engine and customisable hydrodynamic modelling, derived from and validated against recorded vessel performance data. It duplicates how high-speed vessels behave in the real world when affected by factors such as wave movements or impacts with other crafts and floating objects, in a range of sea states with different speeds.
The PT Boat Simulator (Photo: HTX)
The key features of the simulator are as follows:
a. Customised Simulator. Four customised simulators that resemble PCG’s high-speed Patrol Interdiction Boat and high-speed interceptor boats (2nd Generation PK boats).
b. Instructor Operating Station. Allow the trainers to have the flexibility to control the training scenarios, conditions and environment. It also gives trainers a bird’s eye view of the training scenario and activities via the eye tracker and CCTVs. For training realism, a steering console has been installed for trainers to control the target boat during the training scenario. Real time recording of all training scenarios including the eye tracker, CCTVs and communication between trainers and trainees is also available for review after the training has ended.
c. Briefing & Debriefing Facilities. Allow the trainers to replay the full training scenario for review with the trainees after every training.
d. Multiple Training Scenarios. The TBHFS can simulate a myriad of scenarios, conditions and environment to support training in general and tactical boat handling skills. It can help PCG officers hone their skills in watch-keeping, navigation, berthing and maritime interdiction in a safe environment before their actual sea phrase training.
e. Eye Tracker. The Eye Tracker detects the eye movement of the trainees to allow trainers to analyse the trainees’ visual focus during stressful scenarios such as high-speed pursuit. This will allow the trainers to provide targeted feedback to the individual trainees so that they are aware of the areas they can improve on.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheang Keng Keong, Commander of Police Coast Guard said, “The new simulators will allow PCG officers to practise high-risk manoeuvres and experience different scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, which minimises the risks of injuries and accidents. Officers will also be able to train repeatedly to acquire the high standard of competency before embarking on live training out at sea.”
To meet the training needs of tactical boat operations, HTX had to consider several factors in the design review, implementation and the commissioning of the simulator. Bernard Phang, Director of Policing Programme Management Centre in HTX said, “Harnessing technology in the training of officers from the Police Coast Guard is the way forward. In developing the TBHFS, we have been able to enhance the training of police officers exponentially in different areas without having to be subjected to the climate and currents of any given day of training. The multiple sensors allow the trainer to analyse each trainee’s performance and help them to improve. ”
The PK Boat Simulator (Photo: SPF)