In 2008, Cal Maritime announced the opening of its new Simulation Training Facility, one of the most advanced in the world. With two 360-degree projection systems and numerous smaller simulators that can interlink, an oil spill trajectory simulator, a liquid/gas cargo handling simulator, and a crisis management center, the facility creates a strikingly realistic environment for training, research, accident investigation, and crisis management with the ultimate goal of safer navigation, and the preservation of life and the environment.

While simulation mirrors the realities at sea, the new simulation facility comes as close as possible to creating a real life maritime world where visual, practical learning tactics can help transform knowledge into advanced professional leadership skills. All the bridge simulators are capable of acting as separate, stand-alone vessels in a training exercise, each with visual views of the others and capable of communicating and interacting virtually with one another. This technology is a total shift in maritime training techniques of the past. With interactive bridges, multiple constituents can participate in the training, each focusing on their specific roles while working together. Additionally, the hardware used provides the capability of emulating many different propulsion systems.

The Simulation Center Facility

The 21,000 square foot, glass walled Simulation Center was designed to showcase the natural light and views of the scenic waterfront landscape of the campus. It houses two large classrooms and two simulation briefing rooms, as well as flexible use conference meeting rooms, simulator instructor stations, and the latest in simulation equipment and software all in one location.

Within this environment, seasoned mariners are presented with complex situations that would be too costly and too environmentally hazardous to replicate on the seas. And training time can be applied toward the US Coast Guard standards of time at sea for merchant marine licensure and certification.