PaleBlue has delivered an ROV Trainer Simulator to Tacoma Public Schools’ Maritime|253 Skills Center in Tacoma, Washington, bringing Work Class ROV simulation into a hands-on maritime training environment. The simulator gives students the opportunity to develop practical operating skills using the same type of technology they may encounter in the field, while training in a controlled and repeatable environment.

Maritime|253 was established by Tacoma Public Schools in partnership with the Port of Tacoma to provide industry-focused Career and Technical Education (CTE) and prepare students for careers in the maritime sector. Located within the Port of Tacoma, the Skills Center forms part of the Port’s waterfront campus, placing students in a working maritime environment. The addition of the PaleBlue ROV Trainer further expands this hands-on approach, giving students the opportunity to develop practical skills with Work Class ROV technology as part of their maritime training.

The delivered solution includes a Triton XLX Work Class ROV model, together with simulated ROV physics and movement, cameras and views, TMS controls, navigation and HMI functions, manual and automatic trim and heading, as well as adjustable environmental conditions, current and heave simulation.

The training package comprises multiple built-in Work Class scenarios covering a range of subsea operations, including salvage and shipwreck recovery, suction pile installation, fiber optic connection, steel tube flying lead installation, cavitation cleaning and pipe tracking. These scenarios allow students to apply ROV control and operational procedures to tasks reflecting the complexity of real subsea work.

The delivered solution also includes a Master Arm Controller. The seven-function manipulator controller provides students with an additional hands-on interface, allowing them to practice 7-function manipulator operations alongside the ROV controls.

The simulator is powered by the PaleBlue ROV Digital Platform, combining physics-based simulation, ROV controls and environmental modelling for training and other subsea applications. In the educational environment, this allows students to practice ROV operations and specific subsea tasks in a controlled training environment, while instructors can monitor and guide their training from a dedicated instructor station.

The Tacoma delivery demonstrates how ROV simulation can support maritime education alongside conventional industrial and professional training. By bringing a Work Class ROV simulator into a maritime Career and Technical Education environment, we are giving students early exposure to the technology, controls and operational challenges they may encounter in their future careers. This delivery further strengthens PaleBlue’s market in the US.Felix Horn, CEO at PaleBlue

At Maritime|253, we want students to learn by doing. The ROV simulator gives students an opportunity to practice in a safe, controlled environment. They can build their confidence, develop problem-solving skills and begin to understand how these tools are used in real-world maritime careers.Kristie Wolford, Director of Maritime|253

About PaleBlue
PaleBlue is a global leader in training and simulation technology, for safety-critical industries, including oil and gas, energy and maritime operations. PaleBlue is delivering immersive and effective virtual training solutions that improve knowledge retention, operational performance, and safety. PaleBlue has previously delivered subsea and ROV simulators and services to high-profile clients such as SLB OneSubsea, TechnipFMC, Allseas, DeepTech Oil Services (MCS Group), French Navy, Exa-Blue Egypt and Portuguese Navy, AWI Polar Institute in Germany and Ocean Works Asia (OWA) in Japan.

About Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma Public Schools is the public school district in Tacoma, Washington. The district operates 58 schools and provides education from preschool through grade 12, including advanced programs, special education services and college and career readiness pathways. Its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare students for college, apprenticeships and direct entry into the workforce. Tacoma Public Schools also operates Maritime|253 Skills Center, a regional CTE center opened in 2026 in partnership with the Port of Tacoma.

About Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is an independent municipal corporation and public port authority in Tacoma, Washington. Established in 1918, the Port owns nearly 2,500 acres in the Tacoma Tideflats and supports international trade, jobs and economic development in the Pacific Northwest. Through The Northwest Seaport Alliance, a marine cargo operating partnership with the Port of Seattle, the Port of Tacoma is a major gateway for container, breakbulk and automotive cargo in the United States.