Any driver racing in a powerboat that uses a restraint system has to perform the Immersion training. This training will provide experience and a simulation of being in an overturned boat. Each training takes around forty seconds. National drivers / pilots perform it twice; once where they can open their eyes and one where they wear blacked out goggles to simulate dark water. International, Offshore and other drivers / pilots who use air, will also take a third training where they must breathe on SCUBA
equipment.
Any drivers / pilots that have to use such equipment are highly recommended to seek professional training by a National Authority i.e. PADI, BSAC, SAA. These organizations will provide training on how to assemble and use such equipment.
Advising such organizations of your requirement may help them in devising a training schedule for you.
Regulations
Osprey Powerboat Rescue Team Ltd has revised their training procedure. Enclosed within this document are the new requirements and procedures for the
drivers.
The Training Rig
The training rig should simulate a reinforced cockpit as closely as possible. It must be able to turn the cockpit over in such a way that the driver / pilot, strapped inside, is totally immersed in water.
The cockpit must have the following:
• An opening no larger than found in a normal reinforced cockpit, with sides no lower than the driver’s / pilot’s shoulder.
• A driver / pilot harness as per UIM rule 509.03
• A detachable steering wheel as per UIM rule 509.10 2
Personal equipment
The driver / pilot must wear the following personal equipment:
Race suit.
Shoes or trainers.
Gloves (if normally used by the driver).
Helmet.
Life jacket.
Additional Equipment
Air source – Demand valve connected to a compressed air bottle or a.
Spare Air system.
Precautions
The organisers of the training must ensure that the persons assisting are capable of evacuating the driver / pilot rapidly in case they are unable to do so. There must be a
person qualified in resuscitation present during the whole training. Every sequence of the training will be explained to the driver beforehand.
Performing the training
The training shall be performed according to the following sequence:
1st Training – Complete Roll Over, wearing all equipment, harness fastened, canopy fastened (if used).
2 ndTraining – Complete Roll Over, wearing all equipment, harness fastened, canopy fastened (if used) and wearing blacked out goggles or in dark water.
3rd Training – International, Offshore and any other driver / pilot who uses air must complete a third training, the same as the first, but breathing air from a demand valve connected to a compressed air bottle or a spare air system.
Please note that all trainings will include demonstrating the driver / pilot ability to use the air supply successfully under water for approximately 30 seconds in simulated accident conditions.
The above trainings will be with either the cockpit canopy cover on or off, depending on the driver / pilot race boat.