Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Founded in 1891, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public college focused on maritime-related fields. Upon graduation, cadets are distinctly qualified to lead as licensed maritime professionals, skilled business managers, ship safety officers, commissioned military officers, and more.

The Emergency Operations Training Center, located in the historic Harrington Building, is an innovative and unique learning space at the academy, using real-time simulation technologies to educate and train students. Following the program’s educational coursework, students learn Risk Assessment, Control Analysis, Strategy Section and Implementation, and Evaluation.

Separated into distinct sections, students take on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) room or the Incident Command Post (ICP), with faculty operating the simulation in the Simulation Cell room, to solve simulated emergencies. The flexible design of the EOC, which includes moveable chairs, tables, and screens, allows for students to group and re-group around stations depending on the scenario and response. The large video wall can showcase one large feed or multiple feeds, depending on the scenario and response. In the ICP students relay information to their EOC counterparts to help solve the situation. Recording systems allow faculty to review, analyze, and provide feedback to students on their simulation strategies.

Vantage worked with the architect to review AV system drawings and recommend updated designs and implementation strategies. While the raised access floor was once seen as a challenge, Vantage recommended the space actually provides flexibility for future cabling updates. With amended infrastructure design, AV systems can now be easily maintained and upgraded for future technologies.

With the advanced training spaces, local municipalities are using the space to train their first responder units to understand FEMA protocols and guidelines.

Photography: © Anthony Crisafulli