Though a program displays panels showing all the critical processes of a real rig (fire and gas detectors, valve status, oil flow from the sea bed and so on), and then responds to the actions of the trainee by altering these displays appropriately, a human operator can intervene at any time if things seem to be going too smoothly.

ECONOMIST: Virtual reality

Fire crews said one man noticed a leaking valve on a gas cylinder used for cooking and managed to get everybody out with moments to spare.

BBC: Debris cleared from Leicester blast temple