Maritime software supplier VSTEP has delivered a Nautis Tug Trainer Simulator to Rotterdam's maritime personnel supplier TOS (Transport & Offshore Services) to train tug boat captains on how to handle the latest craft, according to the Shipping Gazette. 
The Nautis Tug Simulator allows captains to experience handling of tugs with different propulsion systems during tug operations, said a company statement. Various types of tugs are available with different kinds of propulsion systems, ranging from conventional shaft propellers to ASD and tractor tugs, it said.
The simulator includes an easy to use set of instructor tools to prepare and control manoeuvring exercises, multi-tug operations and fine-tune ship manoeuvring parameters, said the statement.
TOS selected the simulator for its new training programme, said the release because it is a new generation of DNV (Det Norske Veritas, Norwegian inspection society) certified for tug handling, catering to the full range of maritime training goals in compliance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and International Maritime Organisation requirements.
The simulator comes in several sizes, from desktop trainers to 360-degree versions.
Said TOS manager Ronald van der Kolk: "This simulator provides us with a high fidelity simulator for our training programme. We have selected the portable version of the Nautis tug simulator because it will guarantee high quality, realistic tug handling training."