(Pair of Screens per Control Center) like Nintendo DS
ideal if we give them tasks “pleasure of controlling the ship” each person controls a ship in the same Manila Bay Driving simulation game, go around Manila Bay One monitor display (1), and one touchscreen to act as controls (2) MANILA BAY DEPARTURE & NAVIGATION OPERATIONS
User Experience: Two visitors simultaneously experience authentic cargo ship departure procedures from Manila Bay anchorage. Using professional-grade ECDIS displays and realistic bridge controls, each person commands their own vessel through the complete departure sequence—fuel checks, anchor weighing, pilot coordination, and safe navigation to open waters. Both captains can observe each other's progress on shared displays, creating natural learning moments and authentic maritime teamwork.
Optional Value Add: Experience culminates with split-screen aerial tracking showing both vessels' plotted courses overlaid on real Manila Bay satellite imagery, demonstrating how professional maritime procedures ensure safe navigation through one of Asia's busiest shipping channels.
Success Metrics:
Visitors complete authentic cargo ship departure sequence following real maritime procedures used daily in Manila Bay Professional ECDIS interface and bridge controls provide genuine insight into modern merchant marine operations Dual-captain setup encourages observation and learning from other participants' navigation decisions, and highlights both the difficulty and importance of navigating with other ships in mind Experience delivers clear understanding of cargo ship operations, navigation technology, and maritime safety protocols Authentic audio including Manila Harbor pilot communications and proper radio procedures enhances realism System operates reliably with instant reset capability for continuous museum operation Visitors gain appreciation for skilled seamanship required to safely navigate 40,000+ vessels annually through Philippine waters Copy of Project 3A - Base Estimate
Total Project Hours: 393.6
Total Pass-Through Costs: $1,200-1,800
Experience Mechanics
Authentic Departure Procedures: Each captain follows the actual step-by-step sequence used by professional cargo ships departing Manila Bay—mandatory safety checks, fuel verification, anchor operations, pilot boarding, and systematic navigation through designated shipping lanes. Compressed into 30-90 seconds while maintaining procedural accuracy and educational value.
Professional Bridge Interface: Touchscreen controls replicate authentic ECDIS systems with IMO-compliant displays, proper chart symbology, and realistic radar overlays. Visitors experience the same decision-making tools used by merchant marine officers, including waypoint plotting, collision avoidance, and traffic separation scheme navigation.
Dual-Captain Operations: Both vessels appear on both display screens, allowing captains to observe proper navigation techniques, learn from each other's approaches, and understand how multiple ships coordinate safely within the same waterway. Natural mentoring opportunities emerge as more experienced participants guide others through complex procedures.
Maritime Authenticity Framework
Real Manila Bay Operations: Experience uses actual departure procedures from designated anchorage areas through Corregidor Channel to open West Philippine Sea Waters. Authentic radio communications with Manila Harbor pilots, proper use of international maritime signals, and compliance with Philippine Coast Guard traffic management protocols.
Cargo Ship Realism: Interface reflects actual bridge equipment layouts with professional throttle controls, rudder indicators, GPS positioning systems, and engine monitoring displays. Ship physics accurately represent the massive scale, momentum, and turning characteristics of loaded container vessels navigating restricted waters.
Educational Context: Each procedure explains its real-world importance—from ballast water management preventing environmental damage to precise navigation preventing costly port delays. Visitors understand both the technical complexity and economic significance of Philippine maritime operations.
Technical Implementation
Dual-Station Bridge Setup: One PC powers both ECDIS display screens and touchscreen control interfaces. Each captain's vessel appears distinctly marked on both displays, enabling natural observation of navigation techniques and collaborative learning without forced interaction.
Authentic Response Timing: System delivers realistic ECDIS update rates, radar sweep timing, and ship maneuvering physics that match actual cargo vessel performance. Audio mixing provides immersive bridge environment with engine noise, radio chatter, and procedural announcements synchronized to navigation actions.
Museum Integration: Experience accommodates both quick 30-second demonstrations and deeper 90-second engagements, adapting to natural visitor interest levels while maintaining educational impact and authentic maritime procedures throughout.
Content Development Partnership
Professional Maritime Accuracy: Navigation procedures, radio protocols, and chart data should be validated with Philippine Ports Authority, Manila Harbor pilots, and active merchant marine officers to ensure authentic representation of daily cargo ship operations.
Educational Enhancement: Content should connect modern cargo ship procedures to Philippines' maritime heritage, highlighting the evolution from traditional seamanship to contemporary automated navigation while emphasizing the continued importance of skilled professional mariners.
Dual-Captain Cargo Ship Control Center - Technical Specification
SYSTEM SETUP
One PC powers complete dual-captain experience:
Two ECDIS Display Screens (43" each): Professional navigation displays showing Manila Bay with both vessels Two Bridge Control Touchscreens (43" each): Authentic maritime control interfaces Shared Environment: Both captains' vessels visible on both displays for collaborative learning AUTHENTIC DEPARTURE SEQUENCE (30-90 seconds)
Phase 1: Pre-Departure Checks (15 seconds)
Both ECDIS Displays: Cargo ships at anchor in Manila Bay designated anchorage area Captain Controls Available:
Fuel Status Verification: Touch fuel gauges → "22,400 tons bunker fuel - ADEQUATE FOR VOYAGE" Engine Room Ready: Touch engine status → All systems show GREEN, "MAIN ENGINE READY" Safety Systems Check: Touch safety panel → Fire suppression, navigation lights, communications ALL GREEN Harbor Pilot Contact: Touch radio → "Manila Harbor Pilot requests boarding for departure" Phase 2: Anchor Operations (15 seconds)
ECDIS Display: Chart view showing anchor position, surrounding vessel traffic, designated departure channel Captain Controls:
Pilot Aboard: Touch pilot ladder → "Harbor pilot aboard, taking conn for departure" Anchor Stations: Touch anchor control → "Anchor detail manned and ready" Weigh Anchor: Hold anchor up button → Chain animation, depth display, "ANCHOR AWEIGH" Engine Orders: Touch throttle → "DEAD SLOW AHEAD" confirmed by engine room Phase 3: Channel Navigation (30-45 seconds)
ECDIS Display: Real-time navigation through Manila Bay shipping channel with authentic chart symbology Professional Navigation Controls:
Authentic Bridge Procedures:
Course Plotting: Touch waypoints in sequence → Official departure track appears on ECDIS Speed Control: Adjust throttle → "SLOW AHEAD" → "HALF AHEAD" as appropriate for channel traffic Rudder Orders: Touch helm control → "PORT 10 DEGREES" → Ship responds with authentic turning radius Traffic Management: Red radar contact appears → Touch acknowledge → "GIVE WAY to inbound container vessel" Pilot Communications: Radio crackles → "Manila Traffic Control, departing vessel following separation scheme" Navigation Updates: GPS position updates on ECDIS, radar overlay shows accurate traffic picture Phase 4: Open Water Transition (15 seconds)
ECDIS Display: Approaching Corregidor Channel, transitioning from pilotage to open ocean navigation
Final Bridge Procedures:
Pilot Disembarkation: Touch pilot boat → "Harbor pilot departing vessel at pilot station" Ocean Navigation: Touch autopilot → "AUTOPILOT ENGAGED - COURSE 185° TRUE" Departure Complete: "MANILA BAY DEPARTURE COMPLETE - PROCEEDING TO CEBU" AUTHENTIC BRIDGE CONTROL INTERFACE
Professional ECDIS Display Elements:
Electronic Navigation Chart: Accurate Manila Bay bathymetry with official depth contours and navigation aids Vessel Traffic Display: Real-time radar overlay showing authentic merchant vessel traffic patterns Ship's Position: Continuous GPS positioning with course over ground and speed over ground Weather Overlay: SW monsoon conditions, sea state, visibility appropriate for season Safety Information: Traffic separation schemes, restricted areas, anchorage boundaries Bridge Control Touchscreen Layout:
FUEL STATUS ENGINE STATUS SAFETY CHECK
[22,400 T] [MAIN ENG RDY] [ALL SYSTEMS]
RADIO COMM ANCHOR CONTROL PILOT LADDER
[VHF CH-16] [WEIGH ANCHOR] [PILOT ABD]
ENGINE TELEGRAPH HELM CONTROL
[STOP|SLOW|HALF|FULL] ←→ [PORT ← AMID → STBD]
NAVIGATION WAYPOINTS
[WP-1: PILOT STN] [WP-2: CORREGIDOR] [WP-3: OPEN SEA]
TRAFFIC ALERT ACKNOWLEDGE AUTOPILOT
[⚠ CONTACT] [ROGER] [A/P READY]
Authentic Maritime Audio:
Engine Room: Deep machinery sounds matching throttle settings Bridge Communications: Manila Harbor pilot radio transmissions in proper maritime English Procedural Calls: "Anchor aweigh sir" and authentic merchant marine terminology Harbor Environment: Ferry horns, port operations, realistic water sounds DUAL-CAPTAIN OPERATIONS
Shared Learning Environment:
Both ECDIS screens display identical Manila Bay environment with both vessels clearly marked Captain A: Red cargo vessel "MV MANILA TRADER" Captain B: Blue cargo vessel "MV CEBU EXPRESS" Navigation Awareness: Both captains can observe each other's course plotting and traffic management decisions Collaborative Maritime Procedures:
Traffic Coordination: When both vessels approach same waypoint, system demonstrates proper maritime right-of-way rules Radio Communication: Authentic ship-to-ship communications when vessels are in proximity Learning Opportunities: More experienced participants naturally guide others through complex navigation sequences Safety Protocols: Both captains must acknowledge traffic alerts and follow separation schemes TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Professional Navigation Accuracy:
Real Chart Data: Official Philippine Coast Guard electronic navigation charts for Manila Bay Authentic Physics: Cargo ship turning radius, acceleration, and momentum characteristics Weather Integration: Realistic wind and current effects on ship handling Traffic Patterns: Accurate representation of Manila Bay commercial vessel movements Bridge Simulation Fidelity:
ECDIS Compliance: Interface follows IMO standards with proper chart symbology and display modes Radio Protocols: Authentic maritime VHF communication procedures and terminology Navigation Timing: Realistic bridge response times and procedural sequences Equipment Integration: Proper relationship between radar, GPS, autopilot, and manual steering Museum Operation:
Instant Reset: Return both vessels to anchorage position within 3 seconds Adaptive Timing: System accommodates 30-second overview or 90-second detailed experience Reliability: Continuous operation capability with staff override controls References
Cargo Ship Control Room
Modern cargo control rooms centralize the monitoring and control of cargo systems, valve operations, pump controls, and tank level monitoring, while ship bridges house navigation equipment like ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), radar systems, GPS, autopilot, and communication systems. ECDIS has become mandatory on cargo ships over 3,000 GT and displays real-time vessel position, electronic charts, radar overlay, weather data, and AIS (Automatic Identification System) information.
Modern integrated bridge systems use multifunction displays that can switch between ECDIS, radar, engine monitoring, and alarm management, with intuitive touchscreen interfaces designed for 24/7 operation in harsh marine environments
Manual reference
MDG Brief