COURSE OVERVIEW:

The Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) course is a high-intensity operational program designed for maritime personnel responsible for emergency search and rescue. This course examines the technical specifications and handling characteristics of high-speed rescue vessels used on offshore platforms, merchant ships, and standby vessels. It provides a detailed foundation in the maneuvering of twin-engine and jet-drive craft in challenging sea states to ensure the successful recovery of persons from the water.

The scope of this training involves the mastery of rapid launch and recovery systems, including single-arm davits and "slipway" configurations. Participants will explore the mechanics of high-speed interception, pacing with moving vessels, and the use of specialized recovery equipment such as the "Davit-hook" and rescue nets. The program emphasizes the situational awareness required to operate safely at high speeds while managing the safety of the FRC crew and the casualties.

Coverage includes the search patterns used in Man-Overboard (MOB) scenarios and the initial medical stabilization of survivors. The course addresses the maintenance requirements for FRC hulls, engines, and emergency communications equipment. By combining tactical boat handling with emergency medical response, this course equips FRC coxswains and crew with the competence to respond decisively to life-threatening maritime incidents.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Identify the structural and safety components of a Fast Rescue Craft.
2. Execute safe and rapid launch procedures in varying weather conditions.
3. Maneuver an FRC at high speeds for interception and rescue.
4. Execute precise "Pacing" with a larger vessel for personnel transfer.
5. Recover a "Person from the Water" using mechanical and manual methods.
6. Conduct standard Search and Rescue (SAR) patterns (Expanding Square/Sector).
7. Operate marine VHF radios and emergency signaling equipment.
8. Lead the FRC crew with clear communication and tactical commands.
9. Perform pre-departure and post-operational checks on FRC systems.
10. Manage the initial medical treatment of hypothermia and drowning victims.
11. Execute a safe recovery of the FRC back to the "Mother Vessel" or platform.
12. Handle FRC capsizing and execute righting procedures (if applicable).
13. Troubleshoot engine and jet-drive issues during emergency operations.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

FRC Coxswains, Rescue Crew Members, Offshore Standby Personnel, and Merchant Navy Officers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.