Challenge: The current Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) capabilities are being utilised at, or above, design capacity and are becoming expensive to support owing to ageing technology and a lack of spares. A Training Needs Analysis (TNA) was required to underpin the development of a User Requirement Document (URD) and Systems Requirement Document (SRD) in order to support the scoping and acquisition of a replacement synthetic maritime navigation capability across the Naval Service.

Solution: Approx 50 Naval personnel were interviewed across 18 navigational job roles and 10 ranks, to define the competencies required for conducting navigational tasks, across a variety of vessels. The ability of current synthetic capability training to meet these competencies was assessed through a review of extant training documentation and visits to all simulators. A small proportion of training gaps could be fully met within existing resources. Industry ROM costed training options with associated risks and opportunities were developed and scored by stakeholders resulting in the most cost efficient option being identified.

Results: A competency framework was produced for all significant Bridge Navigators tasks and a cost efficient, synthetic upgrade solution to cover the identified gap was accepted. The TNA supported the concurrent development of the URD and SRD , which
together will be used to initiate the procurement process for a replacement synthetic maritime navigation capability.

“Waves recently partnered with SCS and SVGC to successfully complete the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and Development of User and System Requirements Documents (URD and SRD) that will support the procurement of replacements for the 4 current, aging Bridge Trainers for the Royal Navy, Royal Marine, Army and RAF personnel as well as Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Admiralty Pilots and employees from wider Government Departments.”