Author(s): Karen Anguizola, Elisa Cabal, Peter Pusztai
Linked Author(s): Karen Anguizola
Keywords: Manned model; Training; Ship handling;
Abstract: The Panama Canal Ship Manned Model Training Center, features a ship handling training center using manned model ships at a 1:25 scale. This training center arrived hand in hand with the Third Set of Locks to address the need to safely handle Neo-Panamax ships through the expanded Canal. This is a physical, to-scale representation of bodies of water and several structures, providing pilots with essential training in order to improve acquired responsiveness and maneuverability skills for Neo Panamax ships. At the center, real effects are replicated at a reduced scale without the risk of damaging full sized, working vessels. Panama’s training facility has a true, to scale reproduction of Locks, docks and channels of the Canal. This facility consists of two artificial lakes connected by a channel that was designed and constructed to exactly represent the actual Culebra Cut, including its alignment and the lengths, widths, depths and headings of each of its reaches. The implementation of the center was completely executed by a multi-disciplinary team of Panama Canal’s finest professionals. The physics of applied forces and hydrodynamics are factors that affect ship handling maneuvers. The hydrodynamic effects experienced during flow interaction and the physical phenomenon perceived during specific maneuvers over non-uniform and vorticial effects provided by currents generated in a navigation tunnel, and different analysis in narrow spaces, are simulated in the center. The training facility is part of the pilot’s training program at the Canal, as it provides support and training to other professionals outside the Panama Canal.
Year: 2019