Virtual Marine: Leading marine safety with lifeboat simulator

From the Springboard Content Lab 

Virtual Marine Technology is making marine environments around the world safer places to work with its state-of-the-art simulation technologies and lifeboat training programs. 

Founded in 2004 in St. John’s NL., Virtual Marine has become a global leader in simulation training for the marine industry.  

Their simulators mimic real-life situations and provide trainees with hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment. 

“Simulator training is more realistic than conventional lifeboat training as it exposes coxswains to emergency evacuation scenarios. The lifeboat simulator allows the crew to develop ‘muscle memory’ and to be more likely to perform well in an emergency.”

Captain Mike Jubb,
Offshore Installation Manager,
Virtual Marine. 

Lifeboat simulators to the rescue 

One of Virtual Marine’s flagship products is the Offshore Lifeboat Simulator, which simulates the launch and operation of lifeboats used in offshore oil and gas platforms. This simulator allows crews to practice emergency procedures and evacuation drills without the risks associated with real-life training exercises. 

Virtual Marine also offers a range of other training solutions, including ship handling simulators, marine safety training courses, and custom VR experiences tailored to specific client needs. 

Their technologies are used by maritime training institutions, shipping companies, and naval organizations around the world.  

Virtual Marine emerged from research conducted at Memorial University and the National Research Council. The company was incubated at the Genesis Centre in St. John’s, which at the time was a division of the GENESIS Group Inc., the technology commercialization arm of Memorial University 

Virtual Marine spent three years with the Genesis Centre where company personnel received business support, early-stage guidance and mentoring in an entrepreneurial environment.  

Helping BC Ferries with safety training 

Virtual Marine’s technology has been instrumental for clients such as BC Ferries, which has integrated 12 virtual simulation training units to train crew on rescue craft, davit launch systems, and marine evacuation systems.  

Virtual Marine’s commitment to innovation is further evidenced by its embrace of advanced technologies such as machine learning, which enhances training effectiveness and provides valuable insights from data collected across over 160 lifeboat simulators. 

Driver of Innovation Centre for Remote Operations 

Virtual Marine was pivotal in the launch of the Innovation Centre for Remote Operations in St. John’s. It was the centre’s first tenant. 

The centre is designed to foster industry and academic collaboration, giving a platform to companies like Virtual Marine to showcase their expertise and expand their impact. 

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