Training vessels and simulators turn theory into watchkeeping practice

Eight Leopard-class training ships known collectively as the Ménagerie support sea trips and watch-leader instruction. Their animal names include Léopard, Guépard, Jaguar, Lion, Lynx, Panthère, Chacal, and Tigre. Separate navigation and maneuver vessels extend the practical syllabus, while four navigation simulators let cadets rehearse additional situations ashore. Together these tools turn classroom theory into repeated watchkeeping and shiphandling practice. Cadets can encounter more situations than sea time alone would permit.