Explore docks and cargo like never before in the adventurous new web application called "Port Hero" by the German Shipping Museum in Bremerhaven, crafted specifically for teenagers.
The German Maritime Museum (DSM) has launched a new educational digital platform, the "Harbour Heroes" web app, designed to engage young people aged 14 to 18 in learning about maritime professions and crisis management at sea.
This innovative app, developed with the help of the agency Storyyeller Games, simulates real-life nautical situations, requiring users to make quick decisions and act as digital heroes, coordinating help on land for ships in distress at sea. The app features familiar ships in digital form, including the high-sea salvage tug SEEFALKE, the whaler RAU IX, the yacht DIVA, the model ships MAINZ and PROTOPIA, and a fictional tall ship.
One of the unique aspects of the Harbour Heroes app is its connection of museum research with exhibits and knowledge transfer in one product. It's the first of its kind to do so, making maritime history and professions accessible and engaging for younger audiences. The scenarios in the app are based on real events, drawn from travel reports, research, and archives by the DSM.
The app allows young people to navigate through decision-making processes when facing distress at sea, fostering an understanding of the skills and quick thinking required in real maritime emergencies. This immersive, hands-on approach is intended to spark interest and comprehension of maritime professions.
Dr. Isabella Hodgson, a researcher at the DSM, was heavily involved in the creation of the app, searching through archives, newspaper articles, diaries, and current online reports to ensure accuracy. The app currently has five games, with further missions potentially being written in school workshops to expand the app.
One of the wishes from teens was a scenario on climate change and environmental destruction, which was implemented in the app. The app is designed to be scientifically accurate without being dry or boring, making it an engaging learning tool for young people.
The Harbour Heroes app can be played for free both in the museum and from anywhere at funkturm.dsm.museum/. Students from Bremerhaven are currently testing the app, and Dr. Hodgson is curious about the future course of the app. The German Maritime Museum's Harbour Heroes web app is a testament to the museum's commitment to promoting maritime knowledge through innovative digital media.
The Harbour Heroes app, a novel fusion of maritime research and technology, offers an immersive, self-development experience for young people aged 14 to 18, putting them in the role of digital heroes coordinating crisis management at sea. This education-and-self-development platform, unique in its kind, incorporates real-life nautical situations, linking maritime history and professions with adventure and engagement.
