Simulator sessions on a certified ship-handling simulator An hour at the helm. No risk.
Manoeuvres, navigation and emergencies with an instructor. The best preparation for the practical boatmaster exam, which takes place on the same simulator.
At the exam you sit at controls you already know.
Our practical boatmaster exam takes place on this simulator, approved by the Slovak Transport Authority (Dopravný úrad). If you put in some hours on it before the exam, you can focus on navigating the vessel, not on the controls.
Experienced boatmasters use the sessions too: navigating in a strong current, in fog or with Schottel rudder propellers – the things there is no room to practise on a real vessel.
One hour, your scenario.
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01
At the start
You choose a scenario
- From simple manoeuvres to complex emergencies.
- If you have an exam coming up, you focus on what it will ask of you.
- Newcomers get a thorough grounding; experienced boatmasters train specific skills.
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02
An hour at the helm
Session with an instructor
- Manoeuvring in port, navigating a narrow canal or heavy traffic.
- Navigating in fog and working with radar and other navigation instruments.
- Emergencies, such as engine failure or steering failure.
- The instructor gives you advice and feedback throughout.
What you would not want to face for real on the river, you can try here without any risk to the crew or the vessel.
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GoalBook a session
Confidence at the helm. At the exam and on the river.
The bridge you will be steering from.
The boatmaster’s chair, vessel controls, radar and the instructor’s station of the certified simulator in Hlohovec.
How to book a simulator session.
We do not publish fixed session dates. Every session is individual, so we agree the date after you apply.
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01
Send your application
Online using the form below, or by phone: Zuzana Panák in German on +352 661 566 000, or Agáta Jendrichovská in Dutch on +352 661 565 000.
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02
Tell us what you want to train
In the notes of your application, say which exam you are preparing for or which manoeuvres you want to try.
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03
We agree a date
We get back to you and arrange the session date together.
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04
Come to Hlohovec
You will find the simulator at TMLG Academy, M. R. Štefánika 31, 920 01 Hlohovec.
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05
An hour at the helm
You follow the scenario you chose, and the instructor gives you feedback throughout.
We will find you a date. Just give us a call.
Technical questionsCapt. Matúš PohubaInstructor profile
+421 917 166 721
matus.pohuba@tmlgacademy.eu
Registration · GermanZuzana Panák
+352 661 566 000
zuzana.panak@tmlg.eu
Registration · DutchAgáta Jendrichovská
+352 661 565 000
agata.jendrichovska@tmlg.eu
Simulator sessions: frequently asked questions
Who are simulator sessions for?
Helmsmen preparing for the UNION patent (Union certificate of qualification as boatmaster), the Radar patent or the M patent for inland waterways with a maritime character. Also experienced boatmasters who want to improve specific manoeuvres, and boatmen who want to practise everyday boatmaster situations before their next career step.
Is the simulator really certified?
Yes. Our ship-handling simulator is approved by the Slovak Transport Authority. The practical part of the UNION patent exam and the practical part of the radar exam take place on it, so you train on the very equipment you will later be tested on.
What can I practise on the simulator?
Manoeuvring in port, navigating a narrow canal and heavy traffic, navigating in fog, strong current or bad weather, working with radar and other navigation instruments, and emergencies such as engine failure or steering failure. Experienced boatmasters can also practise handling a vessel with Schottel rudder propellers, as used on cruise vessels.
How long does a session take?
A session lasts one hour.
Does a session replace the practical exam?
No, a simulator session is training. You take the practical part of the boatmaster exam separately: as part of the Boatmaster course – UNION patent, or as a stand-alone UNION patent practical exam if you are applying for the patent through the Czech State Navigation Administration (Státní plavební správa, SPS).
When can I book a session?
Date: by arrangement. Sessions are individual, so we agree the date with you after you apply.
Where is the simulator?
At TMLG Academy in Hlohovec (M. R. Štefánika 31, 920 01 Hlohovec). In the future we plan to install a simulator in our Děčín classroom too.
Who will guide me on the simulator?
Experienced boatmasters with many years of practice. For session content and how it runs, ask head instructor Capt. Matúš Pohuba, a boatmaster with more than 15 years on the rivers (+421 917 166 721, matus.pohuba@tmlgacademy.eu). Registration: Zuzana Panák in German (+352 661 566 000) or Agáta Jendrichovská in Dutch (+352 661 565 000).
