Warsash Maritime Academy’s internationally acclaimed manned model training is to move to one of the UK’s oldest existing reservoirs, as part of a £1.5 million investment plan to keep it at the cutting edge of maritime training.

Mariners from all over the world have been getting vital training at the 10-acre Marchwood facility – one of only a handful in the world - for more than 20 years, learning shiphandling skills on scale model vessels in conditions that emulate real-life maritime experiences.

But from 2011 the manned model ship handling facility will be based in Timsbury, near Romsey.

The entire Marchwood based manned model operation will be moved to the new lake in the winter of 2010, as part of a major investment to ensure the continued development of the University’s highly specialised maritime training facilities.

The new Manned Model Shiphandling Centre at Timsbury will build on the expertise gained from the Marchwood operations, as it continues to provide first class training to the international shipping industry.

Using various ship models, berths, basins and channels on the new lake, a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations can be simulated for ships’ officers and pilots under training. Complex and potentially hazardous manoeuvres can be practised in complete safety in the manned models, making them a key training tool for the shipping industry.

Bringing 21st century maritime training to Timsbury Lake marks the beginning of a new chapter in Timsbury’s history. The 9th century lake has been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, water to drive a medieval water mill and the haunt of carp anglers.

Safeguarding the ecology of the lake and its woodland surroundings will be a major element of the University’s project so that, as well as providing world leading maritime training, it will also continue to be a haven for wildlife and a local natural asset.

John Millican, Dean and Director of Warsash Maritime Academy said: "The purchase and planned development of Timsbury Lake for Warsash Maritime Academy’s manned model operation reflects Southampton Solent University’s

commitment to remaining at the very forefront of maritime training, not only in the UK, but worldwide.’’

Ends

 A manned model is a scaled model ship, controlled onboard by two people, that closely replicates the handling characteristics of the vessel on which it is based.

 The Academy has seven scale model vessels, which can represent nine different vessel types ranging from a 300,000 tonne tanker to a superferry, as well as two radio controlled tugs for use in berthing operations.

 The models each weigh around seven tonnes, and have been developed to replicate the specifications of the 'real' vessel by a team of dedicated WMA technicians.

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