Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

A new simulator will facilitate the training of future navigators at "N. Vaptsarov" Naval Academy in Varna, said the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Danail Papazov.

"As Minister of Transport I am glad that we will provide another simulator for vessel traffic management", said Minister Danail Papazov. He added that with the acquired skills the cadets will be prepared to work with the VTMIS system in real time.

The new simulator must be installed at the end of this year in the Laboratory of information systems to monitor vessel traffic in the naval school. It will be used for training of students and cadets, as well as to maintain the qualification and training of new employees of Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company.

The new equipment is worth 112 000 lev and will be delivered within the project "Management Information System Vessel Traffic (VTMIS) - Lot 3", financed under Operational Programme "Transport" 2007-2013. The project envisages expanding the current system for ship traffic monitoring, the construction of two specialized coastal resorts in Varna and Bourgas, and delivery of two new simulators, one of which will be installed at the Naval Academy.

During his visit to "N. Vaptsarov" Naval Academy, Minister Danail Papazov presented to  Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski and officials the capabilities of the simulator and its purpose for the professional training of personnel for maritime transport in Bulgaria. Prime Minister Oresharski used the simulator to manage a ship in Hudson Bay (New York) and the Bosphorus.

Later in the day at a ceremony at the Naval Academy ten teachers, students and cadets received certificates from Prime Minister Oresharski and Minister Danail Papazov for excellence in teaching and research. 

During the visit to the Naval Academy a renovated library was officially opened. The ribbon was cut by the Minister of Education and Science AneliyaKlisarova in the presence of Prime Minister Oresharski, Minister Danail Papazov, the Deputy Ministers of Transport Petar Kirov and Georgi Todorov, the Chief of the Naval Academy Prof. Boyan Mednikarov and others.