WelcomeWelcome LetterVideo not playing? Click here. Windows Media Player is required. Firefox users: download and install the Microsoft WMP add-on. Greetings: On behalf of the International Maritime Simulator Forum (IMSF) Organizing Committee, we invite you to the International Conference on Marine Simulation and Ship Maneuverability (MARSIM '09), which will be held in Panama from August 17-20, 2009. MARSIM '09 is a follow up to the previous conference held successfully in The Netherlands in 2006. The program will discuss a variety of aspects relating to marine simulation. The objective of this conference is to create a scientific platform where new technical developments, research papers and simulation designs can be shared. The conference also will showcase the use of marine simulators in the process of developing and improving ship maneuvering techniques. In addition, it will highlight the development of procedures to evaluate and improve safe and efficient ship handling. MARSIM '09 will take place in Panama City. Well known as a tourist destination, it is the most cosmopolitan city in all of Central America and the capital of the most globalized economy in the region. The city is tucked into the heart of Panama Bay which offers a sophisticated and distinctive skyline. A Caribbean flavor, diversity, eclectic culture and sheer energy exemplify some of the unique elements Panama City has to offer. We look forward to extending you a warm welcome! Alberto Alemán Zubieta On behalf of the IMSF Conference Date and VenueDateAugust 17 – 20, 2009 (Mon - Thu) VenuePanama Marriott Hotel Panama Marriott Hotel 52nd St and Ricardo Arias Banking Area, Panama City, Panama Telephone: (507) 210-9200 Fax: (507)210-9311
MARSIM '09 ConferenceMARSIM '09 ConferenceSince 1978, MARSIM Conferences, have been heldunder the auspices of the International Marine Simulator Forum (IMSF), has been held every three years. In Tokyo, the 1990 MARSIM was presented jointly by IMSF and the International Conference on Ship Maneuverability (ICSM). The association of MARSIM and ICSM will continue for MARSIM’09. The conference will provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of theoretical papers describing the latest achievement and trends in marine safety and productivity through simulation training, maneuvering, channel designs and control system. MARSIM '09 CommitteeMARSIM '09 CommitteeINTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE:
ExhibitionExhibitionA technical exhibition will be arranged at the Panama Marriot Hotel, at the Casco Viejo convention room in connection with MARSIM’09. Interested companies and institutions are invited to contact the MARSIM’09 Conference Secretariat. Call for PapersCall for PapersAuthors are invited to present papers on marine simulation and ship maneuvering topics shown in this announcement. Those wishing to present a paper are requested to submit an English abstract of 200-300 words (typed) to the MARSIM’09 Conference Secretariat. The abstract must contain the title, the scope and conclusion of the proposed paper, and bear the name(s) and the complete address of the corresponding author(s) (mail, phone, fax and E-mail). Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the International Technical Committee. Deadlines
The official language of the conference is English. Program ScheduleProgram ScheduleSocial ProgramSocial ProgramHost Country InformationAbout PanamaAs a meeting point in the history of the countries of Latin America, Panama is a country forged by various cultures and traditions that come together to create a unique complexity and exotic environment. The country's ethnic diversity is reflected in the traditional products, such as woodcarvings, ceremonial masks and pottery, as well as in its architecture, cuisine and festivals. To visit Panama is to dazzle the senses, where Indigenous, Asiatic, Caribbean and European cultures combine to create a country unlike any other. Panama's architecture is a reflection of the different groups that make their home here. The old city of Panama, known as Casco Viejo, is a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 1997. It is currently undergoing restoration, and is a place of great historical and architectural importance. Visitors to the site can see homes built at the beginning of the last century, narrow lanes with ancient ruins, beautiful colonial churches, the National Theater, the Church of San Jose (also known as the Church of the Golden Altar), that was saved from the greed of the pirates, and the ruins of the convent of Santo Domingo and its famous Flat Arch, which is over 300 years old. Visa Support DocumentsVisa Support DocumentsAny participant requiring an official letter of invitation to the conference, to support a visa application into Panama, is requested to contact the MARSIM 2009 Secretariat in order to receive assistance in obtaining such a document. Registration FeeRegistration Fee
Registration fee can be paid by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by bank transfer. FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FOR DEPOSITS INTO THE ACCOUNT:
Reimbursements: Notification of cancellation must be made in writing and sent to the MARSIM'09 Registration Department via email. If written notification of cancellation is received before March 17, 2009, 50% of the full price of the registration will be refunded. We regret to inform you that no refunds will be made for cancellations received after this date (no exceptions). Please note that the cancellation will not be effective until a written acknowledgment from the Registration Department is received. AccommodationAccommodation
HOTEL CHANGES AND CANCELLATION POLICIES * Hotel Marriott Panama: Room cancellations can be made up to June 8, 2009. Booking requests will be accepted only if a credit card is provided as a guarantee for the reservation. * Alternative Hotels: Room cancellations can be made up to July 15, 2009. Booking requests will be accepted only if a credit card is provided as a guarantee for the reservation. *Any change to a reservation (name substitution) must be notified in writing to the MARSIM'09 Accommodation Department and not directly to the hotel before June 10, 2009. Please be aware that all cancellations made after the dates detailed above will translate in the charge (by the hotel) of the full amount of the booking stay on the credit card you have provided. TransportationTransportationAirplane FareWe are pleased to inform you that, in case you decide to participate in MARSIM'09, you may be able to enjoy a special discount from COPA AIRLINES on the preferential price available. Once you have formalized your registration, you will receive a confirmation which will include the necessary codes to obtain this discount. Please note that this discount does not apply on promotional fares, business class or combinations with any other promotion. For reservations, please visit any COPA AIRLINES office or contact their call center (for further information please visit www.copaair.com)
SKYTEAM, another Official Alliance Network for our event, offers attractive airfares for registered participants. SKYTEAM comprises 10 leading international airlines: Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta, KLM, Korean Air, Northwest Airlines, serving 728 cities in 149 countries with over 15,000 flights daily. Please be aware that once you have formalized your registration, you will receive a confirmation letter which will have included the identifier code for you to be able to get hold of this discount.
Conference participants can travel by car from Tocumen International Airport to suggested hotels (approximately forty-five minutes). The distance between the Panama Marriott Hotel and the other suggested hotels is: • InterContinental Miramar Panama – 3.4km from the Conference Site MARSIM’09 SecretariatMARSIM’09 SecretariatCenter for Maritime Training, Research, and Development (SIDMAR)
Event PlannerEvent Planner
IMSF 2009 General MeetingIMSF 2009 - Annual General Meeting (AGM) To be held at the ACP’s Ascanio Arosemena Training Center Dear IMSF members: We are very glad to inform you that the 2009 Annual General Meeting of the International Marine Simulator Forum will be held at the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Ascanio Arosemena Training Center. Additional announcements and information will be sent to you regularly by email. If you are planning on attending this meeting, we would appreciate your registering in our website. Please include information on any accompanying guests. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact MARSIM’09 Secretariat at marsim09@pancanal.com. If you prefer, you can send an email to LMartinez@pancanal.com . We are really looking forward to see you in August 2009. |