DRONES IN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY
Drones are playing a greater role in the shipping industry assisting surveyors with the inspection of enclosed spaces in vessels. Global Drone Inspection (GDI) and DEKC Maritime (DEKC) developed a drone simulator which can be used to train the basic flight skills and carry out basic and advanced inspections in a safe environment. The simulator even includes the option to integrate a custom-built 3D environment and train pilots before they carry out the actual inspection flight
David Knukkel, CEO of Global Drone Inspection
TRAINING AND EXAMINATION OF PILOTS
David Knukkel, CEO of GDI: “Training and examination of pilots is an ongoing process for each drone inspection company. It is required to reach and keep a certain quality standard to reduce the risk of incidents, accidents and/or wrong inspections which can have high consequences when conclusions are based on bad video and photo footage.”
In the earlier days everyone who could afford bought a drone and offered inspections to different clients in various industries. Many pilots had a lack of flight skills, safety training, knowledge of assets which needed inspections and chose the wrong equipment, not suitable for the job. Many inspections lead to disappointments of the industry and reluctance to use the technology again.
Fortunately, over time many things changed. The quality of equipment improved, and more strict regulation came into force to ensure a safe working environment and a proper inspection. Especially in the Maritime Industry classification societies demand that approved service suppliers not only have to take care of the flight skills of the pilot, but also have knowledge of the assets.
Advanced exercise Forepeak
TRAIN FLIGHT AND INSPECITON SKILLS IN A SIMULATOR WITH 3D MODELS
For service suppliers finding and training of skilled pilots is always a challenge as there is not always an asset available. And sometimes it is extremely difficult to prepare a flight plan in advance based on the available information and must be developed based on risk assessments carried out on site.
In 2019 DEKC and GDI found each other with the plan to develop a simulator with 3D models, where pilots can train their flight and inspection skills, and learn how to deal with stress levels when batteries are nearly empty while still flying inside an asset. In 2020 the simulator was ready for internal use. To increase the pool of skilled pilots GDI and DEKC developed the user interface between the simulator and an online licensing system.
The licences consist of three options, which are Basic Training, Advanced Training, and Custom Scenarios. The custom scenarios can also be created for just a specific area. Cor Lettenga, CEO of DEKC: “For one client we developed a storage tank and for another we developed the underwater area of a vessel (for ROV-inspections).” The opportunities of this option are endless.
Global Drone Inspection uses the simulator for internal training of their pilots and future service stations. Selling the licences will increase the amount of skilled and qualified pilots, which eventually will be a benefit for the entire industry, including the service providers themselves.
FREE PLAY FLIGHT The software can now be downloaded for free online with a free play flight
Global Drone Inspection: performs worldwide surveys on your assets with this century’s most forward technology: drones. Not only do we get to play with drones every day, we provide you with reliable information on maintenance needed for your asset. Whether you’re working on a ship, in the oil and gas industry, or infra and steel industry: we know just how to support the quality of your services. Our experienced team goes above and beyond to inspect your assets under the surface, in the air and even in confined spaces website.
DEKC Maritime: offers concept design, basic design, and detail engineering for newbuild vessels as well as operational support during the lifetime of a vessel. DEKC assists with modifications and mobilizations; and they provide project-specific engineering. Specialists in naval architecture, structural design, mechanical engineering and detail engineering, and able to help with every idea or challenge website.