Energy sector training firm AIS Survivex has invested around £850,000 in lifeboat simulator technology.
The new software complements the existing training facility in Aberdeen Harbour.
It also means that AIS Survivex becomes the very first training business to offer OPITO-approved lifeboat training for coxswains – both practically in the harbour and virtually via a simulator – for free fall and twin fall escape scenarios, the firm said.
The technology includes three lifeboat simulators – one free fall, one twin fall and an advanced coxswain mobile training simulator.
They provide realistic experiences of lifeboat evacuation from an offshore oil & gas asset, various emergency scenarios and rescue at sea.
As well as being used for follow-on OPITO assessments and lifeboat coxswain further training, the simulators will help improve competency and raise safety standards.
Importantly, the simulators can recreate every type of weather condition and can also switch between night time and daytime settings.
That allows participants to practice escape and emergency scenarios in adverse weather and in the dark.
World-first training experience ‘incredibly realistic’
AIS Survivex centre manager in Aberdeen, Jamie Purves said: “We are delighted to become the first centre in the world to offer both simulated and traditional lifeboat training for coxswains.
“Our new lifeboat simulator technology is a major investment in our Aberdeen facility and underlines our continuing commitment to both the oil and gas and marine sectors to provide innovative training solutions, which build a competent and safe workforce.
“Traditional practical training using a real lifeboat in the sea is mandatory for the initial coxswain lifeboat certification but the simulators are perfect for refresher and enhanced assessments.
“Experiencing the lifeboat simulators is amazing and incredibly realistic.
“You truly think you’ve been at sea. They feel real.
“Another advantage of lifeboat simulation we can offer is to practice live launches in a safe environment.
“One of our simulators is a desktop version – the advanced coxswain training simulator. This can be taken to any worksite easily and quickly enabling personnel to practice live launches within a familiar environment and reducing the need to travel to and from a training centre.
“As the UK’s leading energy sector training business, it’s essential that we continue to break barriers by offering our customers the latest technology available to keep their workforce safe.
“This investment achieves that and allows us to offer a broader range of options and capacity for coxswain training, as we remain reactive to the changing regulatory environment that continues to embrace different ways to keep offshore workers safe.”