Seafaring and maritime operations are under constant development; digitalisation, safety and renewed environmental regulations being the most significant factors requiring readiness for change from maritime education providers. The global nature of seafaring also needs for education to take place in an international context.This project aims to connect maritime simulator centers across the Baltic Sea. Simulator connectivity enables students to train within the same virtual learning environment where multi-cultural communication and teamworking are an integral part of the training.

Currently crossborder education between maritime education institutes and their simulator centres does not exist. Combining the best expertise into the project partnership, technical expertise in simulators of EMERA, specialization in simulator training structures of EKAMI, proven expertise of Xamk and Aboa Mare in simulation pedagogy and port management expertise in IVKHK enables creating joint maritime vocational education which measures up with the requirements set by labour markets.

The project will conduct a labour market investigation to elaborate on the set objectives. Then takes place the development of simulators to establish a connection between simulation centres. In parallel guidelines for harmonized simulator trainings are created. New training methods, tools, e-learning platforms and best practices for simulation pedagogy are examined. Joint education is designed and demonstrated in course pilots themed in accordance with labor market needs. Joint programmes and the learning materials developed by the project are integrated into existing curriculas. As a result, a new simulated transboundary learning environment and deepened collaboration between education institutions are created. They will in turn provide maritime, port and logistics studentswith modern education improved in quality and safety, extending the employment opportunities of the students.