Newport News Shipbuilding is taking advantage of virtual reality (VR) technology to improve confined space training.

The advancement of VR has put confined space training on a new level, with a focus on placing shipbuilders in a simulated environment, excluding real danger in the process.

“While it has been in the yard for some time now, virtual reality is a vastly underutilized training tool at NNS. When we first saw the abilities and functionalities of VR and how it could be utilized for training purposes, we wanted to bring it to the Virginia-Class Submarine Program,” said Josh Jordan (K79).

Since the first session in February, over 1,200 VCS shipbuilders have completed VR training in NNS’s Mobile Experience (MX) Trailer. Participants get firsthand virtual experience of going into a physical environment to check if a confined space is safe for entry. This gives the trainee the chance to learn virtually with no risk of bodily harm.

Working in confined spaces can be dangerous, and this practice highlights the complexities in a collaborative and responsive environment.

“It opened my eyes to the dangers regarding confined spaces, especially if we become complacent. I think fall protection is another area that could use this style of training,” said Caleisia Smith (O22).