South Hampshire College Group launches British-built digital training vessel

South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) has acquired a digital training vessel (DTV) to support a potentially first-of-its-kind further education curriculum for students.

Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) like this one are popular with industry and research bodies for surveying, patrolling, and search and rescue duties.

Compared with alternatives, they offer zero emissions, lower operating costs, anti-fatigue, consistent routing, and are safer.

The new DTV is controlled remotely from either a shore-based mission control centre or on board a mothership through digital remote operations, with options for AI decision making.

It’s expected to see use at SHCG’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) in Lee-on-the-Solent near Fareham, and its specialist Marine Skills Centre on the River Itchen in Southampton.

The skillsets required for USV Remote Operators combine digital, marine engineering, marine electrical, systems engineering, net zero understanding and navigational knowledge, which until recently were unavailable as a single career pathway.

Through a new curriculum being rolled out this coming academic year, students from across traditionally distinct faculty areas will gain experience, knowledge, and skills to apply within the region’s maritime sector.

The acquisition of the DTV was made possible through the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) as part of the Solent’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

Other educational assets launched by SHCG and LSIP include TECH:TRUCK, a collaborative mobile educational and technological roadshow shared between seven local education providers, and SHCG’s new multimillion-pound Department for Education-funded Institute of Technology (IoT) at CEMAST.

Naomi Smith, LSIF programme director, said: “South Hampshire College Group is a pioneer in identifying new and emerging skill requirements.

“Maritime has been identified in the Solent LSIP as a key area of focus, particularly in digital skills and where traditional roles overlap with new, such as marine engineering and vessel operations.

“South Hampshire College Group works with local industry leaders to ensure the skills, qualifications and progression routes provide further opportunities for our students to create better futures.

“In addition, providing public educational training resources such as the DTV is key to encouraging social mobility as it enables access to all.”

The DTV project is entirely British. The vessel was built by Plymouth-based HydroSurv and  its control systems were provided by Robosys Automation in Southampton.

SCHG held a launch for the DTV at the Marine Skills Centre in Woolston near Southampton, attended by maritime students and representatives from academia and industry.

They showcased the vessel’s capabilities on the water, including remote operations.

Nigel Lee, CSO of Robosys Automation and project lead, said: “Today is a landmark moment for the maritime industry, as demand for trained operatives in this specialism is rapidly increasing – both across USVs and also larger vessels, including uncrewed and lean-crewed ships.

“Having this advanced DTV as a further educational resource broadens the catchment opportunities, thus satisfying the very real skillset shortage in the maritime sector while creating a consistent level of learning.”

The event welcomed representation from the UK’s Marine Robotics Innovation Centre, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, National Oceanography Centre, Robosys Automation, Landau Marine, South Hampshire College Group, Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan, South Coast Institute of Technology, amongst others from supporting associations and industry.

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