COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR TRAINING USING VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATING AND CONVENTIONAL FIREFIGHTING

Abstract

Ports are critical hubs for global trade, and the complex environments they encompass present unique fire hazards due to the presence of flammable materials, large machinery, and congested spaces. Effective firefighting preparedness among port workers is essential to ensure rapid response to emergencies and minimize damage. Traditional firefighting training methods, while valuable, often come with limitations such as safety concerns, high costs, and limited scenario variety.  

The fire safety skills training content is too large and complex, due to many problems in the actual training which requires varies and integrated training techniques such as  simulation training systems. Virtual seaport firefighting training system based on virtual reality (VR) which plays is an important role in building capacities and enhancing port-workers skills .  

This study investigates the impact of virtual reality (VR) firefighting simulations on enhancing the firefighting capabilities of port workers. VR technology provides an immersive, risk-free environment where workers can experience realistic fire scenarios tailored to the specific challenges of port environments. These simulations offer dynamic training modules that replicate various fire hazards— such as fuel spills, container fires, and shipboard emergencies—allowing port workers to practice their response strategies, decision-making, and teamwork under pressure.

The research examines how VR simulations improve key firefighting skills such as hazard recognition, risk assessment, and the effective use of firefighting equipment. By providing frequent and varied training opportunities without the logistical challenges of traditional methods, VR simulations have shown to significantly enhance port workers' readiness for emergency situations. Additionally, the study highlights the benefits of cost efficiency, safety, and scalability of VR-based training. The findings demonstrate that VR firefighting simulations are a powerful tool for improving the firefighting preparedness of port workers, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle highrisk situations more effectively, thereby contributing to a safer port environment.

Furthermore the study provides a case study represented in an effective platform for firefighting training system in ports , as well as a comparative study between firefighting training using VR Simulation Techniques and Hands-on Training for Port Community is proposed in this research.