Training Activities
As of the end of 2025, over 6700 individuals have completed various training programs focused on ship manoeuvring in Iława. Half of these participants are captains and chief officers, either sent by shipowners or independently seeking to enhance their manoeuvring expertise. The other half includes professionals from pilot organizations located worldwide.
Our training methodology, which relies on large manned ship models, despite the growing use of electronic simulators, remains a highly effective and reliable approach supported by a significant number of maritime specialists.
Land-Based Facilities of the Research and Training Centre for Ship Manoeuvring
The effectiveness of our training lies in the realistic representation of physical phenomena encountered during ship movement in various water conditions. By using large manned models, trainees experience direct interaction with environmental factors such as wind and current—conditions that are sensed in real time.
An important psychological aspect also contributes to the training effectiveness. Groundings, collisions with hydrotechnical structures, or interactions with other vessels are simulated with full consequence, creating a strong sense of responsibility and realism that shapes behaviour and learning outcomes.
Taking all the above facts into account, it cannot be denied that ship models offer a clear advantage for training focused on understanding the physics of ship manoeuvring.
Our training programs are developed in accordance with the IMO guidelines outlined in the STCW Convention, Chapter V, Section B-V/a, which address additional training in the manoeuvring of large ships and vessels with unusual handling characteristics. We also offer the flexibility to conduct customized training programs, tailored to meet the specific needs of individual clients.
All course sessions are conducted in English. Practical training on ship models is supervised by experienced instructors positioned on the training models, accompanying vessels, or onshore. Communication between vessels during exercises is maintained via a local VHF network.
Most ship models are equipped with bow anchors and selected electronic navigational systems, including GPS, ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), AIS (Automatic Identification System), and PPU (Portable Pilot Units).
Upon completion of the training, participants receive a certificate of attendance, accompanied by a brief summary of the training program.
