Development of a Simulator Training Platform for Fish Farm Operations

Abstract

The Norwegian aquaculture industry is accident prone compared to other industries and employees report a high number of near-accidents. Furthermore, escape of fish is a challenge for the industry. There is a potential for increased safety for both humans and fish if operators can practice operations in a safe environment. Existing simulators are not suited for this context. This paper presents results from a research and development project aimed at developing a realistic simulator-based training platform for demanding fish farm operations. Three objectives guided the development process. First, a description of operations, aimed at identifying challenges and training needs, which formed the basis for selecting training scenarios well suited for aquaculture. Second, the development of mathematical models that could be used in the simulator were developed, and finally, a curriculum for training course modules to complete the platform. Platform thus points to the integration of the simulator and the practical and theoretical education of operators. In this article, the first and second part of the process are presented and discussed.