A VIRTUAL reality “computer game” is helping the dock workers of the future to learn their trade.

Like airplane and helicopter pilots before them, trainee crane drivers at the Maritime Engineering College, Monks Ferry, Birkenhead, can now hone their skills in a safe and cost-effective virtual environment.

The £1.75m Quay Skills machines can simulate any port in the world in any weather condition, and even train operators to deal with pre- programmed accidents.

Motion capture technology similar to that used in Hollywood epics like the Lord of the Rings can even populate the port with virtual workers which move like the real thing.

Along with training for the gantry cranes used to load ships, the three simulators can also teach and test operators on quay cranes, straddle carriers for containers, land-based tugs for roll on roll off ferries, and fork lift trucks.

As well as being safe, they save on fuel costs and down-time for the real cranes.

Jim Teasdale, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, which represents 1,700 maritime businesses on Merseyside, said: “These new facilities are among the very best in the world and they are right here on Merseyside.

“They prepare learners for potentially hazardous situations in an entirely safe environment and are as close as possible to the real thing. We are currently developing our programme to include training for apprentices and schools on the simulators, which will help raise awareness of the wide range of career opportunities within the industry and deliver the next generation of port operatives.