Australia’s first free-fall life boat training facility

The Premier of Western Australia will officially open Australia’s first free-fall life boat training facility at the IFAP (Industrial Foundation for Accident Prevention), Offshore and Maritime Training Centre in Western Australia on 15 October 2010.

In a joint statement, the Director of SCI Australia, John Reynolds, and the Managing Director of IFAP, Martin Ralph, stated that construction of the jetty and the free-fall launch system was nearing completion.

SCI assigned a team of experienced installation and commissioning engineers from their international operations to install the free-fall life boat and davit system. A similar free-fall life boat system was recently installed and commissioned by SCI at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies in the United Kingdom.

The free-fall life boat training system will enable IFAP to further assist offshore clients fulfil their regulatory training requirements. It will also reduce the time and costs associated with sending personnel to overseas free-fall life boat training centres.

IFAP Operations Manager Mike Gillespie highlighted that the free-fall training courses will complement the large range of training courses already available at IFAP. This includes conventional life boat training (TEMPSC), fast rescue craft operation (FRC) and offshore BOSIET, FOET, TBOSIET, TFOET survival training courses.

The location of this new facility, adjacent to Fremantle Port, will also assist maritime operators fulfil their SOLAS requirements. Fremantle Port currently hosts 1100 ships annually and an additional 2000 ships visit Western Australia’s six regional ports. Many of these vessels have free-fall life boats installed and will be able to take advantage of the free-fall training course at IFAP.