SINGAPORE'S only maritime academy is a leader in research and development initiatives that make for a more conducive learning and teaching environment, while at the same time meeting industry demands and international regulations on maritime education.

The Singapore Maritime Academy's (SMA) R&D centre has been using information technology to develop multimedia packages that have helped move teaching practice from 'one to many' to 'one to one'.

Through R&D, SMA has also developed projects for the maritime industry, such as the Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) - a multimedia-based package that uses text, hypertext, graphics, animation, video and simulation to produce interactive solutions that help people do their job better.

EPSS provides 'just-in-time training' and more. And two EPSS systems are in use at SMA's workshops. One provides information and guidance to students to dismantle, inspect and assemble a turbocharger, with minimal supervision by a lecturer. The other guides students in checking the inspection timing of a fuel pump, which helps cut training time by half.

Another result of SMA's research is the development of Web-based multimedia emulators that students can access from anywhere.

An emulator is software that imitates the functions of another machine or equipment. It is extremely valuable for learning the working principles, operation and fault demonstration of a system in an interactive way.

SMA's partnership with Singapore Telecommunications and Globe Wireless to leverage on each other's expertise in satellite communications, IT and its application in maritime situations is part of SMA's R&D efforts. And this relationship will help expose SMA students to new trends in maritime satellite communications technology.

Satellite broadband communication is getting cheaper and more accessible. SingTel has launched its new Maritime VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) service - an 'always on' ship-shore satellite broadband connection.

The world's largest shipping fleets are deploying portal systems using Maritime VSAT, so their vessels can collaborate with onshore offices as if they were branches in a land-based organisation.

Maritime VSAT lends itself to 'anytime- anywhere' e-Learning using interactive multimedia to help officers on board ship prepare for Certificate of Competency (COC) examinations.

Such COC courses take the form of 'Blended eLearning' - an approach that mixes face-to-face classes with online activities and lessons.

Online distance learning provides the necessary underpinning knowledge that enables seafarers to study during off-duty periods at sea. Then back on land they attend face-to-face classes at SMA that involve class discussions and laboratory, workshop and simulator training, followed by assessment.

When designed properly, blended eLearning can bring a vitality to learning that one delivery method alone often cannot deliver. Maritime VSAT will be the vehicle for distance learning on ships.

The writer is manager of SMA?s R&D Centre

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