SOUTHAMPTON A fleet of miniature supertankers has been launched to help to train skippers of some of the world’s largest vessels.

The 30ft models are replicas of full-size ships. By steering them on a nine-acre lake, students can practise manoeuvres without risking the lives of other mariners.

Increased demand for liquid petroleum gas has led to a shortage of trained captains. More than 110 new supertankers are being built.

Warsash Maritime Academy, part of Southampton Solent University, is running the courses. The lake has various berths and different current conditions can be simulated. Gordon Maxwell, senior lecturer, said: “Shipping companies send people here from all over the world. Our ships are about 1:25 or 1:40 scale models. Pilots and skippers like to be exposed to the elements. You can get simulators but to be out on the water is better because things are less predictable.

“To get a master’s licence, you just have to demonstrate knowledge and push a model across a table. What we do is better training that prepares skippers and pilots for the real thing. We aim to prevent disasters. The cost of ships and their cargoes is enormous and you can multiply that by 100 if you have a major spillage.

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