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SIDMAR

Simulation, Research, and Development Maritime Training Center

Our courses cover a variety of vessel types and scenarios, including emergency response, collision avoidance, and navigation in challenging weather conditions. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the maritime industry.

EXPERIENCE

SIDMAR is responsible for training Pilots, Tug Masters, Maritime Engineers, and other maritime personnel who work on board various types of vessels. We also offer seminars and familiarization with the Operations of the Panama Canal. Our services ensure that the maritime industry achieves and maintains optimum efficiency, quality, safety, and leadership. We are committed to meeting our clients’ needs, providing outstanding services.

STAFF

Our training centers are operated by specialized personnel, guided by a group of instructor pilots who are active in piloting tasks in the Panama Canal and are trained to provide the highest level of training and advice.”

FACILITIES

Our classrooms are equipped with the necessary technology to host brieng and debrieng sessions for the exercises performed in the simulators. Our instructors are highly quailed and experienced pilots, with many years of practical experience. The Canal’s vast maritime operations also provide valuable real-world context for our training courses.

Our combination of manned scale model ships and Full Mission bridge simulator provides the highest level of quality training for the operation of the Canal.

The Panama Canal Center of Simulation, Research and Maritime Development (SIDMAR) offers the necessary tools for maritime industry personnel to achieve and maintain optimal efficiency, safety, and leadership levels.

SIDMAR has an innovative electronic simulation system for ship maneuvering, at the forefront of the new technologies and trends in the maritime industry.

A mathematical model that recreates and anticipates the ship’s behavior, based on the hydrodynamic, aerodynamic, and physical environment in which it navigates.

In terms of training, this is perhaps the simulator’s most important component.

The realism of the ship’s behavior depends on the effectiveness and application of the lessons learned.

Each one of the three SIDMAR simulators has a 360° visual display, including the 360° Full Mission simulator, it has a floor projection system.

The simulation bridges are equipped with the technological instruments necessary for maneuvering in more than 50 types of ships with different propulsion, steering and positioning systems.

Simulators are operated by specialized personnel, guided by a group of pilot instructors who actively conduct pilotage operations in the Panama Canal and are prepared to provide top-level training and guidance.

SIDMAR ensures the highest quality demanded by the Canal’s operation and applies business and productivity-oriented learning techniques adapted to current global maritime standards and regulations.

EXCEPTIONAL FLOOR PROJECTION SYSTEM

Our state-of-the-art bridge simulator boasts a distinctive floor projection system, with a projected diameter of approximately 15 meters and a height of 4 meters. This full-fledged 360-degree bridge simulator is equipped with a one-of-a-kind floor projection system, making it ideal for mooring procedures and pilot training. Its integration of bridge like wings with the wheelhouse, along with its cockpit bridge reminiscent of those found on most modern vessels, sets it apart from the rest.

Simulators

Charlie
Bravo
Full Mission

The Panama Canal Center of Simulation, Research and Maritime Development (SIDMAR) offers the necessary tools for maritime industry personnel to achieve and maintain optimal efficiency, safety, and leadership levels.

One of them is the Scale Model Maneuver Training Facility, located in Summit. This facility is the only one of its kind in Latin America, and one of the few in the world.

The facility’s training grounds have an area of 15.5 hectares, including two lakes connected by a narrow channel, simulating the Culebra Cut.

It has deep-water zones resembling the Atlantic breakwater approach, along with various docking piers, the Neopanamax and Panamax locks, and a current tunnel.

The ship models are the same types of vessels that transit the new locks today: a bulk carrier, a tanker, a container carrier, and an LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanker.

This center complies with the highest quality standards required for the Canal’s operation with top business and productivity-oriented learning techniques, adapted to global maritime standards and regulations.

Over 17,000 ships have passed through the Neopanamax locks: a testament to the efficiency of the Panama Canal pilot training program.

The facility is operated by specialized personnel, led by a group of pilot instructors who actively conduct pilotage operations in the Canal and are prepared to provide top-level training and counseling.

SIDMAR ensures the world-class quality required for Canal operations and applies business and productivity-oriented learning techniques, adapted to global maritime standards and regulations.

Simulator Course

Summit Courses

Instructors

Capitán Guillermo Manfredo
Instructor de Prácticos

Capitán Peter Podest
Instructor de Prácticos

Capitán Fermin Reyes
Instructor de Capitanes de Remolcadores

Capitán Rubén Gaytán
Instructor de Prácticos

Ricardo González
Instructor de Embarcaciones Menores

Capitán Lew Stabler
Instructor de Capitanes de Remolcadores

Irving Chiquilani
Instructor de Embarcaciones Menores

Class schedules

  • SIDMAR-SUMMIT: Classes normally start from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • SIDMAR-BALBOA: Classes normally start from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • From Monday to Friday.

Time and weather

  • Panama has a tropical maritime climate. It is warm and humid at sea level. The rainy season is from mid-April to mid-December.

Appropriate clothing for SIDMAR-SUMMIT

  • As the training takes place outdoors, it is recommended to use sun protection and a hat.
  • Visitors must wear low-heeled shoes that cover the entire foot. The use of any type of footwear that leaves a part of the foot exposed is prohibited.

Location

 

Telephone: (507) 272-8550 / 8031
E-mail: sidmar@pancanal.com
Fax: (507) 272-8222