UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - ROTC students at the University of Florida say a new navy ship simulator will teach them how to steer ships, navigate through dangerous waters and avoid collisions...all from the safety of their classroom.

The Maritime Skills Simulator was debuted to the public Friday.

Although the students have been using it since September, the simulator was put on display as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the university's new living learning facility for ROTC students at Tolbert Hall.

The simulator is not a video game that allows students to simulate combat.

Instead, students say it gives them experience in navigating ships...experience that will enhance their careers.

"This is exactly what you'll see on the bridge of a ship," Midshipman Third Class Benjamin Paddock said. "To have this hands on interaction as a sophomore...I mean, I still have two and a half years here. It's just pretty remarkable."

Tolbert Hall currently houses traditional students as well as ROTC students.  UF officials say eventually, all 200 rooms will be used for ROTC.