BMT Launches ROC-Sim at Oceanology International

BMT has launched ROC-Sim, a scalable, high-fidelity virtual test environment and training solution enabling development, testing and assurance of uncrewed and autonomous systems. A low cost, low risk solution to accelerate the safe introduction of uncrewed systems and meet the training needs of the maritime workforce today and into the future. ROC-Sim was unveiled on Tuesday, 10 March, Day 1 of Oceanology International, with an official launch at 11:30 on the National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) stand.

ROC-Sim is a deployable Remote Operations Centre Simulator that can be integrated into any remote operating centre or networked within a federated simulation environment to enable uncrewed vessel operator training. The system is underpinned by BMT’s high fidelity REMBRANDT simulator and integrated within BMT’s Digital Innovation and Simulation Centre (DISC) at Fareham to provide a networked multi vessel virtual test environment enabling development, testing and assurance of maritime autonomous systems.

The capability enables operator training in a virtual environment that precisely replicates the vessel’s handling characteristics, before transitioning to live control. It represents a leap forward in the use of simulation to develop specialist digital tools for training, trials and evaluation of remotely operated uncrewed systems, supervised autonomy and human-autonomy teaming in the maritime domain.

ROC-Sim enables users to assess concepts of operation, autonomous functions, command and control interfaces, operating procedures, workload and high risk edge cases within realistic and hydrodynamically representative operational scenarios. It forms a key part of BMT’s broader digital autonomy assurance ecosystem, working alongside Synthetic Environment Assurance Services (SEAS) and BMT REMBRANDT to generate traceable evidence for safe and assured autonomy deployment.

Jesse Loynes, BMT Maritime Autonomous Systems Consultant said:

"Maritime autonomy is advancing quickly, but confidence only comes when decisions are tested as they will be made, not as we hope they will perform. 

"ROC-Sim gives organisations a way to interrogate assumptions, validate operations and build trust across the entire autonomy lifecycle. We’re excited to share this capability at Oceanology International and demonstrate how it strengthens real-world assurance."

The widespread adoption of uncrewed and remotely operated vessels in the maritime domain demands new approaches to testing, training and mission planning to ensure safe and effective operation. By replicating real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, the ROC-Sim enables operators to build critical decision-making skills, adapt to dynamic, multi-vessel scenarios and gain familiarity with emerging technologies and mission profiles.

The open architecture system provides a ‘train as you operate’ facility compatible with any uncrewed surface vessel (USV) or third-party command and control system. The simulation facilitates iterative testing of operational concepts, allowing stakeholders to evaluate human-machine teaming strategies, communication protocols and workload distribution across hybrid fleets.

Will Alexander, Head of Maritime Autonomous Systems at BMT said: 

"ROC-Sim addresses some of the critical challenges faced with the introduction of maritime autonomy and marks significant progress towards safe and sustainable uncrewed operations. As the transition to maritime autonomous and uncrewed systems accelerates organisations face increasing pressure to demonstrate regulatory compliance, robust training and human-machine integration.

"ROC-Sim has been developed to help operators, regulators and equipment manufacturers build trust in autonomy by testing systems in a cost effective, realistic, repeatable synthetic environment. It demonstrates the adaptability and versatility of BMT’s REMBRANDT high-fidelity synthetic environment and how simulation has a vital role in the development, testing and safe operation of uncrewed systems"

The ROC+DOCK collaboration with South Devon College and HydroSurv last year provides an example of how simulation has enhanced situational awareness, reduced training time, assured real-world operational success and informed design decisions. Ultimately, the ROC-Sim emerges as a vital enabler for the safe transition to an increasingly uncrewed and autonomous maritime world.

BMT will also highlight its strengthened autonomy consultancy offering, supporting customers from early-stage concept development through independent Verification &Validation, operator readiness and regulatory engagement. By working closely with industry, operators and regulators, BMT is helping accelerate the safe introduction of maritime autonomous systems and shape the future of maritime autonomy.

BMT’s active membership in the National Centre for Marine Autonomy (NCMA) underpins this launch. The company is proud to be associated with the NCMA and its ambitious vision for the future of marine autonomy and will stand alongside NCMA at Oceanology to show its full support for this national effort.