DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY - NSS Training

1 DEPARTMENT OF THE navy COMMANDER, NAVAL SURFACE FORCE UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET 2841 RENDOVA ROAD SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92155-5490 COMMANDER NAVAL SURFACE FORCE ATLANTIC BOX 168, 1751 MORRIS STREET NORFOLK, VIRGINIA 23511-2808 IN REPLY REFER TO COMNAVSURFPACINST/ COMNAVSURFLANTINST N7 12 Dec 16 COMNAVSURFPAC/COMNAVSURFLANT INSTRUCTION From: Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Subj: NAVIGATION SEAMANSHIP AND SHIP - HANDLING Training 1.

2 Purpose. To promulgate guidance, procedures, and requirements for the Navigation, Seamanship and Ship-Handling Training (NSST) Program. 2. Cancellation. COMNAVSURFPAC/COMNAVSURFLANTINST 3. Background a. NSST is a state-of-the art bridge simulator used to train ship crews in navigation and ship handling using virtual technology. It closely replicates specific ship class ship handling characteristics in different environmental conditions in an effort to improve basic and advanced skills in a synthetic environment that replicates the real world.

3 The NSST facilities are located in each of the Fleet Concentration Areas (FCA). b. There are currently two simulators approved by Type Commander (TYCOM) support Fleet NSST requirements for Polaris V2 and Conning Officer Virtual Environment (COVE III). (1) Polaris V2 is a large-scale, full mission bridge simulator that supports individual and watch team Training . It employs high-fidelity hydrodynamic models that provide maneuvering characteristics virtually identical to real world operations, augmented by high fidelity radar and navigation instruments.

4 Environmental conditions such as wind, sea-state, darkness, current, etc., are selectable and capable of being modified. Polaris V2 requires dedicated operator support. (2) COVE III is a bridge simulator that supports individual and watch team Training . It employs high-fidelity hydrodynamic models that provide maneuvering characteristics virtually identical to real world operations, augmented by high fidelity radar, and navigation instruments. Environmental conditions such as wind, sea-state, darkness, current, etc.

5 , are selectable and capable of being modified in both systems. This is a voice activated system. COVE III requires dedicated operator support. COMNAVSURFPACINST/ COMNAVSURFLANTINST 12 Dec 16 2 4. NSST Courses a. Bridge Resource Management (BRM). One BRM Course (40 hours) is required once per Commanding Officer s (CO) tour. Ships may not complete BRM courses of instruction within six months of one another unless the ship has received TYCOM authorization or the ship has had a change of command since their last BRM.

6 Ships are required to send three watch teams to BRM Training : three teams each consisting of an Officer of the Deck (OOD), a Conning Officer, and an Officer of the Deck under instruction. All classes will be attended by a senior observer (CO, Executive Officer (XO), or Senior Watch Officer. Three additional OODs or prospective OODs may attend at the command s discretion. For Landing Helicopter Assault and Landing Helicopter Dock class ships, the Navigator may act as the Senior Observer. BRM courses can accommodate two Patrol Craft crews at a time; however, each crew shall send five to six students with at least three qualified as OOD.)

7 The CO may act as Senior Observer during simulator Training time and shall attend all simulator sessions. (1) The ship will provide the following material and are encouraged to contact the NSST instructor prior to class convening to verify specific material requirements: (a) Non-Electronic Chart Display and Information System certified ships will provide three plotting kits, three sets of charts to support voyage planning exercises, pencils and erasers for chart work, directives supporting voyage planning (Fleet Guide, Coast Pilot, Port Directory, etc.)

8 , and a copy of their CO s Standing Orders. (b) Electronic Chart Display and Information System certified ships will provide directives supporting voyage planning (Fleet Guide, Coast Pilot, Port Directory, etc.), and a copy of their CO's Standing Orders. (2) Additional requests for BRM will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis pending the requesting ship s need and availability of the course. b. Special Evolutions Training (SET). 28 hours of SET is required every calendar year. Each ship is allocated an additional 32 SET hours per year for use at the CO s discretion.

9 (1) SET affords ships an opportunity to train in evolutions the CO believes will be of most benefit to his/her watch team. SET modules are organized in four-hour sessions comprised of approximately 45 minutes of instruction and three hours in the simulator. Ships may choose from the special evolution topics listed found on the NSST website ( ). (2) SET can be scheduled in four-hour blocks. Scheduling past normal working hours is possible should FCA through put capacity not support Training during the regular workday.

10 (3) If a ship desires Training which is not captured in an existing SET module, they may request tailored Training ( movement to an unfamiliar port). Requests will be reviewed and approved by Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet COMNAVSURFPACINST/ COMNAVSURFLANTINST 12 Dec 16 3 (COMNAVSURFPAC)/Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) on a case-by-case basis. (4) One four-hour block of SET Training is available to Prospective COs, Prospective XOs, and Command Qualification Assessment candidates.