STCW Operator Proficiency In Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)

AIM

The aim of this program is to provide those assigned to crew a fast rescue boat with the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently carry out those duties.

This program is designed to provide all supply vessel and workboat personnel who are designated with utility boat and/or rescue responsibilities with the knowledge and skills to safely carry out these duties.

The course meets the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 95) standard, Table A-VI (2-2): Operator Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat; and is approved by Transport Canada.

This course also meets the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) Standard Practice for the Training and Qualifications of Personnel (April 2008); Section 5.2.6 Fast Rescue Craft (FRC)

CONTENT

This program covers the following topics:

  • Construction, safety features and equipment in FRB
  • Launching and recovery of FRB
  • Righting a capsized FRB and re-boarding the FRB
  • Handling a FRB in prevailing weather and sea conditions
  • Swim in special equipment (immersion work suit)
  • Use communication and signalling equipment
  • Use emergency equipment carried
  • Recover a casualty from the water and transfer a casualty to a rescue helicopter a ship or a safe place
  • Carry out search patterns, taking account of environmental factors
  • Start and operate the FRB’s engine
  • Taking a lifeboat or liferaft in tow
  • Pacing with a lifeboat and a larger vessel that is making way
  • Pacing with seismic streamers towed astern of a vessel

Areas of study will include the following:
  • Operate a fast rescue boat on open water in a safe and effective manner
  • Approach and recover a crew over board into the FRB safely and effectively acting as coxswain and as deck crew
  • Take a liferaft or lifeboat in tow safely and effectively with an FRB, acting as coxswain and as deck crew
  • Conduct a sector and a creeping line search in reduced visibility for a crew over board
  • Participate in the capsize, getting out from under an FRB and the righting of an FRB as well as look after a passenger or an injured passenger during this activity
  • Operate the FRB in various sea and swell conditions
  • Steer compass courses as directed in reduced visibility
  • Conduct voice communications over the VHF radio as appropriate for a search and recovery situation
  • Launch and recover an FRB safely and efficiently using a releasing painter
  • Pace alongside a ship and a lifeboat in order to transfer castaways safely and efficiently
  • Operate the FRB so seismic streamers can be brought on board for servicing
  • Use a GPS as a compass and to find a specific location

Practical training exercises will be conducted in the pool and at sea.

DURATION

A minimum of 23.5 hours of instruction over four (4) days.

PREREQUISITES

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Trainees must hold a training certificate in Proficiency in Survival craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSC) (or equivalent under subsection 2.2 of chapter 2 of this standard) to take the FRB course.
  • Trainees are expected to be in a good state of health and physically capable of fully taking part in all program activities. Trainees are expected to participate in all physical training requirements.
  • A statement of health form completed on the first day of the course. A valid Medical Certificate is required to be submitted prior to start of course.  See “General Information: Medical Fitness” for full details.
  • A valid Government Identification is required and must be presented for registration and to the instructor on the first day of course commencement. (Driver’s License, Passport, Vantage card)

WITHOUT EXCEPTION, those trainees in non-compliance will be refused and billed the full program fee.

CERTIFICATION

All persons who successfully complete the course based on the performance standards will receive:

  • A Transport Canada EXN 24 Certification for the STCW Operator Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat qualification