HUNTINGTON -- The Inland Waterways Academy at Marshall Community & Technical College has received a grant from the American Electric Power River Transportation Division to buy equipment.

AEP donated $26,100, which was matched with a state grant to purchase an enhanced radar simulator training system now required by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to a release from MCTC.

"This is an exciting and necessary opportunity for our students in the Radar Observer and Radar Observer Recertification program," Capt. John Whiteley, director of the Inland Waterways Academy at MCTC, said in a release. "The technology is the newest and most realistic. Instructors can vary conditions, such as weather and traffic, and have students interact with each other, resulting in a greater understanding of and reliance on the radar equipment."

The system is designed for four student seats and one instructor station. Each student station includes two 20-inch computer screens, one showing a real world view and the other showing the same view on a radar screen. The instructor can change the outside visibility and force the student to rely more and more on the radar. It can target vessels to teach collision avoidance skills.

The academy also has a wheelhouse simulator on loan from Transus USA. The simulator re-creates a ship's console, with a maneuvering station, radar and an electronic chart system.

"We are proud to partner with American Electric Power and Transus USA to further strengthen our Inland Waterways programs," MCTC President Keith J. Cotroneo said in the press release.

For more information, contact Whiteley by phone 304-697-5616 or e-mail whiteley@marshall.edu.

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