View non-flash version
South Andrews Avenue, between State Road 84 and SE 17th Street in Fort Laud- erdale, Fla., is lined with a variety of office buildings and marine-related busi- nesses. One facility in particular, namely MPT with its bright and attractive exteri- or, has an unmistakable presence. Mar- itime Professional Training, in operation for over 20 years, has a campus encom- passing more than 45,000 sq. ft. MPT, having trained thousands of masters, mates and engineers from all over the world, is one of the only full service pri- vate maritime training schools in the country. Just a few minutes from the main cam- pus is MPT's crown jewel, the Simulation for Maritime Assessment Research and Training ( S.M.A.R.T.) Center. The facili- ty was custom designed to feature one of the only privately owned multi million dollar simulation centers in the country. The S.M.A.R.T. Center at MPT employs navigational simulator software from Transas Marine USA and is com- prised of three completely interactive full mission bridges one of which boasts a 325 degree curved screen (120' x 14') with nine channels of visual projection. The system is designed to meet current and future training requirements, and be capa- ble of being utilized for port engineering research and development projects. With virtually unlimited possibilities, the SMART simulation is used for skill build- ing, refresher training, port and vessel familiarization, as well as STCW Compli- ant Training, virtual vetting and proficien- cy assessment of bridge teams & crews. Bridge features include a fully-integrated bridge arrangement with Furuno electron- ics as well as Omni-Directional controls for vessels that use Azi-Pod or Z-Drive technology, also available are Kamewa jet simulation controls. The facility hosts Det Norske Veritas Class A bridges which are equipped with an array of components including, con- ning stations, ECDIS and ARPA, NavAids and realistic instrumentation displays and authentic ship controls. The visual system is combined with the latest in projection and graphic technology, and is described to be among the first of its kind in visual mapping software system. The demand for quality education and training has become more crucial than ever as the industry adapts to an ever- changing world with many new regula- tions. Offering a complete selection of license and STCW training and regulatory compliance courses, MPT incorporates a curriculum designed for mariners varied in rank and experience that is goal orient- ed and cost effective. MPT's admissions staff plan classes and schedules with the mariners long term career development in mind. MPT offers tailored training for individualized needs. In addition to the long list of training options available at MPT's Fort Laud- erdale campuses, the school is also well known for taking training beyond STCW by providing an incredible array of Onboard Training Itineraries. MPT's teams travel the globe training mariners onboard every type of vessel from Superyachts to Cruise Ships, Passenger Ferries, Research Vessels and Tugboats!. In collaboration with Marine Tech Fire Academy, MPT offers an impressive 19 acre offsite firefighting facility. MPT's extensive firefighting programs have trained thousands of shipboard and shore- side professionals and are available to meet basic and advanced components of STCW as well as many custom designed courses. The Carnival Corporation is among one of MPT's many corporate cus- tomers utilizing it's many programs including Fire Fighting training. With all of this focus on STCW training and navigation simulation, you might not realize that MPT's main campus has one of most complete engineering depart- ments with fully equipped labs & machine shops. This department showcases a spec- trum of different manufacturers equip- ment with 37 marine engines on display for training. This cross section allows for the student to engage in many different systems and their nuances. MPT is known for developing long rela- tionships with their students. Many of the Master level candidates started out their training at MPT years ago when they were new to the industry and working as deck- hands. Generally once people go to MPT they don't go anywhere else. It is not uncommon for the staff and faculty to receive emails, post cards and follow up letters from their students from all over the world! Circle 71 on Reader Service Card 34 • MarineNews • August, 2005 TRAINING & EDUCATION MPT Puts the S.M.A.R.T in Training The S.M.A.R.T. Center at MPT employs navigational simulator software from Transas Marine USA and is comprised of three completely interactive full mis- sion bridges one of which boasts a 325-degree curved screen with nine channels of visual projection. AUGUSTMN2005 5(33-40).qxd 8/3/2005 3:24 PM Page 34
