From Chalkboards to Touchscreens
How saVRee Revolutionized Marine Engineering Education at BMTA
Owen Davies, Senior Lecturer and Partner at British Maritime Training and Assessment (BMTA), is reshaping marine engineering training in the UK. Combining his experience at sea and in academia, Owen turned to saVRee to modernize learning for both cadets and private learners—offering engaging, hands-on experiences with 3D models that make complex machinery accessible and interactive.
Traditional tools like power points, whiteboards, and sketches made it difficult for learners to grasp the mechanics of large complicated equipment.
Much of the machinery in marine engineering is large and constantly required in service, this makes it unavailable to work on directly in a relaxed and safe manner.
Students often relied on memorization rather than understanding due to limited opportunities to interact with the systems and machinery they were studying.
saVRee’s interactive 3D models let students manipulate, explore, and visualize systems like sewage treatment plants, marine two-stroke engines, and oily water separators.
Learners could now engage with models on their own time—exploding and reassembling machinery virtually, even while at sea.
Models were embedded directly into online platforms such as Moodle and BMTA’s custom LMS, enabling seamless access and blended learning experiences.
Owen’s bachelor’s dissertation showed significant improvement in engagement and retention when cadets used saVRee models, with nearly all students recommending its continued use.
Owen found saVRee through a LinkedIn post by a colleague and immediately saw its potential to change how maritime training is delivered.
After a successful pitch to management, the models were implemented in both BMTA’s private training programs and Owen’s full-time teaching institution.
The models were embedded in BMTA's online platform, alongside videos, presentations, and quizzes for a fully immersive learning experience.
Owen introduced saVRee to other institutions, helping expand access across the maritime education sector.
Using saVRee formed the basis of a research project on learning retention and engagement, showing quantifiable benefits in marine engineering education.
Students explored machinery in their own time, reinforcing knowledge through visual and interactive practice.
Modern delivery methods using augmented reality (AR) and mobile access increased learner enthusiasm and engagement.
Cadets reported greater knowledge retention of complex engineering concepts thanks to dynamic, kinesthetic learning.
saVRee became a common resource across institutions, with custom model requests benefiting the broader maritime training community.
Recognizing that most learners already use mobile devices, BMTA embraced this trend and turned phones into tools for empowerment, not distraction.
“Instead of punishing students for using their phones, we empower them to learn with them. saVRee’s 3D models let them explore systems anytime, anywhere—whether in the classroom or at sea. It’s accessible, affordable, and incredibly effective. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any training institution or company.”
– Owen Davies, Senior Lecturer & Partner, BMTA
