Tobolsk Fisheries Technical School Installs Advanced Maritime Communications Simulator
The equipment, developed by Evolution Marine Digital, can simulate a wide range of vessel navigation scenarios.
Communication is critical to maritime transportation. Yet achieving reliable, high-quality communications requires more than technology – it also depends on highly skilled professionals. Russia is placing particular emphasis on developing that workforce.
A Fully Immersive Experience
Tobolsk Fisheries Technical School has completed a major upgrade. Students can now train using advanced technologies, including a simulator for a GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) operator workstation. The system was developed by Evolution Marine Digital.
The simulator, called COMM PRO 6000, supports nine workstations. It is designed to help future shipboard professionals who will work with maritime communications systems develop the skills and confidence they will need at sea.
“In today’s environment, maintaining reliable and secure communications at sea is becoming a critical aspect of navigation, and bringing advanced simulation technologies into education directly addresses that need. The COMM PRO 6000 software suite is designed not only to train maritime communications operators working with shipboard systems, but also to train shore-based vessel traffic service operators and seafarers pursuing qualifications as radio electronics specialists for maritime and inland waterway transport facilities,” the developer’s press office said.
A Broad Range of Training Options
The simulator offers extensive training capabilities. It emulates equipment operating in the medium-frequency, high-frequency and very-high-frequency bands. The system can reproduce digital selective calling, radiotelephony and radiotelex operating modes, as well as satellite communications with shore stations.
One of its most important capabilities is training for rescue-operation scenarios involving continuous changes in vessels’ course and speed. An electronic chart displays the locations of shore stations. All training communications are recorded and stored, allowing instructors to conduct a detailed review of students’ actions afterward.
The simulator is listed as high-tech equipment of Russian origin and is included in the Russian Ministry of Digital Development’s registry. It meets all requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
Students Arrive on the Job With Essential Skills
Russian technology and software are increasingly being incorporated into programs that train highly skilled professionals. Students have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with modern communications equipment before ever going to sea. For future employers, that means new hires can arrive already familiar with both routine and emergency equipment operating scenarios.
In fact, Russian educational institutions have been adopting domestically developed equipment for several years. In 2023, Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping became the first university in the country to introduce autonomous navigation technologies as part of a new educational program. That training equipment was also developed by Evolution Marine Digital.
As for COMM PRO 6000, the simulator was first unveiled in 2025. Its manufacturer positioned it as a versatile tool that could be used either as a standalone training classroom or as part of the bridge equipment of a navigation simulator and an unmanned-vessel control system simulator. Only a short time has passed since its debut, and the system is already being used in real-world training.
Looking ahead, the simulator is likely to become available at many more educational institutions. Its potential market is not limited to Russia: the system could also be exported to countries interested in training highly skilled seafarers.
