FRC International is running the first program of ‘Back To Back’ Whole Boat Vibration (WBV) courses in Canada this April.
The lead for these courses is Canadian Coast Guard and Canadian Navy. These courses are part of improving sea safety and are open to all interested parties. The object is to include all organizations operating RHIBs and planing craft. Both venues also enable boat builders, equipment manufacturers and industry to attend.
The first two days of ‘Back To Back’ courses are in Ottawa at the Convention Center. The WBV Manager course on Monday, April 8 will be followed by WBV Motion Analysis course onTuesday, April 9. The second two days of ‘Back To Back’ courses are in Victoria BC at the Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt (CFFSE). The WBV Manager course on Thursday, April 11 will be followed by WBV Motion Analysis course on Friday, April 12. All courses run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course fee per person is US$500 to attend one day or US$900 to attend both days.
The one day WBV Managercourse includes The Nautical Institute certificate. Launched in January 2012, this course brings together international best practice and industry standards. More than 400 personnel from 60 organizations have already attended. WBV Manager has been developed for decision makers, officers, senior coxswain, operations, training, health and safety, occupational health professionals, boat builders, equipment manufacturers and all managers involved with RHIBs and high speed craft (HSC).
The one-day WBV Motion Analysis course includes The Nautical Institute certificate. Launched December 2012, this course has been developed from end-user and industry demands for concise, accurate RS and WBV information regarding planing craft. The course focuses firstly on what is relevant data, secondly how to gather accurate data and finally analysis methods. WBV Motion Analysis has been developed for all decision makers, operations managers, health and safety, mechanical engineers, naval architects, designers, boat builders and equipment manufacturers.
Whole Boat Vibration on RHIBs and planing craft is a global problem that affects crews and passengers. The FRC WBV Awareness Courses are relevant to all sectors affected by this major health and safety issue. This includes military, search and rescue, government agencies, local authorities, police, wind farm, oil and gas, thrill rides, charter, powerboat schools and all organizations operating planing boats under 80 feet (24 meters).
The maritime sector recognizes the need to reduce the effects of WBV but this is not a straightforward process for those operating RHIBs and High Speed Craft. These vessels can expose occupants to high levels of repeated shock and Whole Body Vibration which has been shown to increase the risk of acute and chronic injury. These injuries can affect back, neck, knees and joints.
FRC International provides expertise for Fast Response Craft (FRC) personnel. This includes understanding risk, duty-of-care, legislation, evolving technologies and new operational tasks and scenarios. Stopping fast craft operations is not a realistic option, but making them safer is essential.
The next ‘Back To Back’ WBV courses are in The Netherlands, Sweden and the U.K. Any maritime organizations wanting to run these courses in their location should register interest at www.frc-wbv.com. For further information email info@frc-int.com.
John Haynes, AFNI, is Operations Director of FRC International and a presenter of WBV courses. He is a Yachtmaster Ocean and Advanced Powerboat Instructor. Subject matter expertise includes high speed craft consultancy, product development and specialist training.