KAMK’s Game Development Students Created a Virtual Leak Simulator for the Finnish Navy

Students from Kajaani University of Applied Sciences’ (KAMK) game development program have had the opportunity to prove their skills in national defense through a unique collaboration project.

For several years, the Finnish Navy has been developing virtual training exercises aimed at producing better-prepared soldiers. Now, the Navy is piloting a new virtual training scenario where trainees practice repairing ship damage in a realistic environment.

The five‑month project was carried out in cooperation with game development students from KAMK. Seven students participated, led by lecturer Tommi Helin.

“What made this project great was that, for the first time, we were able to pilot a KAMK student-produced game development solution with the public authority sector—and with very good results, in our opinion. Although user feedback will ultimately tell us how successful the project was, we can already be proud of the excellent work and final product our students have delivered,” Helin says

The virtual environment was designed to be as realistic as possible. Trainees operate on a vessel where hull breaches cause water leaks. They practice using damage‑control tools—such as wedges and a motor pump—in realistic leak situations. The system takes into account the amount of water entering the vessel and the rising water level. Multiple leaks occur, and items float in compartments located below the waterline.

Because smooth cooperation is crucial in real emergencies, trainees operate in a multiplayer environment that also trains their teamwork and communication skills. At the end of each exercise, trainees receive a performance report to support instructor feedback.

Although the project was developed in a short timeframe, it was both rewarding and challenging. For example, students had to figure out how to simulate water movement and the functioning of tools in a believable way within a virtual world.

“The project is part of a larger initiative in which the Finnish Defence Forces and security authorities collaborate with educational institutions to produce virtual training materials. The final products will be widely used by various security-sector operators,” explains Commander Pasi Leskinen, Development Manager for the Navy’s learning environments.

The project has been valuable for both sides.

“While creating the simulation, students were able to express themselves and develop something that, at best, can save lives and equipment. I hope that we will continue to find common ground and advance Finnish expertise in both simulation‑based learning and national defense development,” says KAMK President Matti Sarén.

The development of the training environment began when the Navy contacted KAMK. The students selected for the project visited the Navy to familiarize themselves with an existing leak simulator, damage‑control tools, and the vessel itself so they could understand the operational environment.

Pilot testing of the VR technologies will begin in the Navy during this spring. KAMK considers its cooperation with the Defence Forces important and sees student projects with authorities as valuable opportunities for the future as well.

More information:

Development Manager for Navy Learning Environments, Commander Pasi Leskinen
pasi.leskinen@mil.fi

KAMK, Project Supervisor Tommi Helin
tommi.helin@kamk.fi